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BLUE JACKETS OV '6l 



A HISTORY OF THE NAVY IN THE WAR OF SECESSION 



BY 



WILLIS J. ABBOT 



I17T// ILLUSTRATIONS 



PRINCIPALLY BY W. C. JACKSON 



NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD, AND COMPANY 

1886 



CopvRKaiT, iSSfi, 
Bv DODD, MEAD, AND Cd.MI'AXV. 



ELECTROTYPED AND PRINTED 
BY RANI), AVERY, AND COMPANY, ' 

DOSTON, MASS. 




>INKINC. Ill'- rilK "AI.AHAMA." 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

The OpENiNr, of the Conflict. — The Navies of the Contestants. — Dix's Famous 

Despatch. — The River-Gunboats i 



CHAPTER H. 

Fort Sumter bombarded. — Attempt of the ".Star of the West" to re-enforce 
Anderson. — The N.\v.\l Expedition to Fort Sumter. — The Rescue of the 
Fkicvpe "Constitution." — Burning the Norfolk Navy- Yard . . . . io 

CHAPTER HI. 

Difficulties of the Confederates in getting a Navy. — Exploit of the " French 

Lady." — Naval Skirmishing on the Potomac. — The Cruise of the "Sumter," 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Potomac Flotilla. — Capture of Alexandria. — Actions at Matthias Point. 

— Bo.mbardment of the Hatteras Forts 37 

CHAPTER V. 

The "Trent" Affair. — Operations in Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. — Destruc 

TION OF the Confederate Fleet 53 



iv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

I'ACiK 

Rkiiik-i'ion ok Nkwrf.rn. — Exploits of Lieut. Cushing. — Destruction of the K.\m 

" Al.llEMAUI.E " 70 

CHAPTER VH. 

The liLOCKADF.-RUNNEKS. — NASSAU AND WILMINGTON. — WORK OF THE CRUISERS. . 90 

CHAPTER Vni. 

DuroNT's Kxi'EDnTON TO HiLTON HEAD AND PoRT RoVAL. — THE FlERY CIRCLE . . II4 

CHAPTER IX. 

The First Ironclad Vessels in History. — The "Merrim.ac" sinks the "Cumber- 
land," AND DESTROYS THE "CONGRESS." — DUEL liETWEEN THE "MONITOR" AND 
"Merrimac" 1-9 

CHAPTER X. 

The Navy in the Inland Waters. — The Mississirrr .Squadron. — Sweeping the 

Tennessee River 155 

CHAPTER XI. 

Famous Confederate Privateers, — the "Alabama," the "Shenandoah," the 

"Nashville" iSo 

CHAPTER XII. 

Work of the (Julf Squadron. — The Fight at the Passes of the Mississippi. — 
Destruction of the SciiooNEii "Judah." — The Blockade of G.'vlveston, and 
Capture of the "Harriet Lane" 206 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The Capture of New Orleans. — Farragut's Fleet passes Fort St. Philip and 

Fort Jackson 211J 



CONTENTS. \' 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PAGE 

.\LONG THE Mississippi. — Forts Jackson and .St. Piui.ir surrendek. — The 1?.\tti,e 
AT St. Charles. — The Ram "Arkansas." — Bombardmeni- and Capture of Pdrt 
Hudson 243 

CHAPTER XV. 

On to Vicksburo. — Bombardment ov the Confederate .Stronghold. — Porter's 

Cruise in the Forests 254 

CHAPTER XVI. 

ViCKSIiURG SURRENDERS, AND THE MISSISSIPPI IS OPENED. — NaVAL EVENTS ALONG THE 

Gulf Coast 279 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Operations about Charleston. — The Bombardment, the Siege, and the Capture, 293 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
The Battle of Mobile Bay 303 

CHAPTER XIX. 

The Fall of Fort Fisher. — The Navy ends its Work 313 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

Sinking ok the "Alabama" ........ Fi-outispiccc 

The "Hartford," Farragut's Flagship. ....... 2 

Dki'artltre ok a Naval E.xrEDirioN from Port Royal ..... 4 

Fort Moultrie . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Anderson's Command occupying Fort Sumter ...... 12 

Major Robert Anderson .......... 14 

Fort Sumter under Fire ......... iG 

Destruction of Norfolk Navy-Yard ...... . . 22 

The " French Lady ".......... 27 

Blockading the Mouth of the Mississiiti . . . . - - • 3' 

Flag of the Confederacy . • . . . . . . . -38 

Naval Patrol on the Potomac ......... 44 

The Fleet off Hatteras ......... 48 

Attack on the H.\tteras Forts ......... 50 

Shores of Albemarle Sound ......... 57 

Contrabands escaping to Fleet . . . ' • - • ■ Cj 

Flag of South Carolina ......... 73 

Destruction of the " Albemarle " . . • . . • • ■ 8" 

Nassau: the Haunt of Blockade-Runners. ...... 94 

CorroN Ships at Nassau .......••• 9*^ 

Blockade-Runner in North Carolina Sounds . . . . . .101 

Pursuing a Blockade-Runner .......•• 105 

P'oRTRESS Monroe. . . . . . . • • • .118 

DuPont's Expedition off C.\pe Uatperas ....... 120 



VIII ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

The Oi'iCiN'iNi; t'.u.v .......... 124 

The Fic.HT at Hilton Head ......... 126 

" Merrimac " AND "Cumberland" ........ 141 

Hattle ok the ".Monitor" and "Mekri.mac" . . . . . . .147 

Handling a Gun . . . . . . . . . . .150 

A River Gunboat . . . . . . . . . . .158 

Mortar-Bo.\ts at Island Xo. 10 ........ 171 

Looting a Prize ........... 185 

Rescue ov Capt. Semmes ......... 195 

The End of a Privateer .......... 198 

The "Nashville" burning a Prize ........ 200 

"Shenandoah" burning Whalers . . . . . . .204 

Fort Pensacola ........... 209 

Destruction of the Schooner "Judah" . . . . . . .211 

Capture of the "Harriet Lane" ........ 216 

LeveE; AT New Orleans before the War . . . . . . .221 

Fire-Raft at Forts of the Mississippi ....... 227 

Breaking the Chain .......... 231 

Ram "Tennessee" at Mobile Bay ........ 233 

New Orleans on Approach of Fleet ........ 239 

The ".\rkansas" under Fire ......... 250 

Porter's Flotilla on the Red River ........ 264 

Dummy Gunbo.at passing Forts on the Mississippi ..... 272 

Passing the Vicksburg Batteries ........ 277 

Manning the Yards .......... 2S3 

Bailey's Dam on the Red River ......... 2SS 

Cutting out a Blockade-Runner ........ 296 

Charleston bombarded .......... 299 

War-Ships off Charleston Harbor ........ 301 

Fi(;in- at Mobile Bay .......... 310 

Charge of Sailors ap Hilton Head ....... 316 




BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE OPENING OK THE CONFLICT. — THE NAVIES OF THE CONTESTANTS. - DIX'S FAMOU.S 
DESPATCH. — THE RIVER GUNBO.VfS. 




HE Story of the na\-al operations of the civil war is a record of 
wonderful energy and inventive skill in improvising and building 
war-vessels, vigilance and courage in liuudling them, and des- 
perate bravery and dash displayed by officers and seamen in the 
great engagements in which vessels of either side took part. Yet of the 
irhmense body of literature dealing with the war, the greater part is given 
to telling the story of the great armies of the North and South. The 
details of the great land battles are familiar to many who have but a vague 
idea of the service done by the "blue jackets" of the North, and the ckiring 
deeds performed by the navies of both sides. 

When the first mutterings of the storm of war began to be heard, the 
United States Government had at its disposal si.xty-iiine \-esseks-of-war, of 
which twenty-seven were laid up for repairs, or, sailors would say, "out of 
commission." C_)f the forty-two vessels in commission, tweiU\-si.\ were 



HLUE-JACKE'1'S OF '6i. 



absent on missinns to the Mast Indies, the African coast, and other distant 
quarters of the globe. Long months must elapse before the most hasty 
orders could reach them. Many were sailing-vessels, and must consume 
man\' months of precious time before they could reach the shores of the 




THE "HARTFORD," F.^RKAGUT'S FLAGSHIP. 



United States. Indeed, though on the inauguration of President Lincoln 
on March 4, 1861, all these vessels were immediately recalled, not one 
arrived before the middle of Jime, and many were delayed until late in the 
following winter. Of the vessels at home, many were old-fashioned sailing- 
frigates ; beautiful with their towering masts and clouds of snowy canvas, 



BLUK-JACKP:rS OF '6i. 



but almost useless in that day when steam had become known as the only 
means of propelling vessels-of-war. 

In officers and men the navy was almost as deficient as in vessels. A 
long peace had filled the lists of officers with old men past that a"-e in 
which may be expected the alertness and energy that must be possessed 
by Jack afloat. The lower grades were filled by boyish officers from the 
Naval Academy, who had never seen a gun fired in anger. The service 
was becoming rusty from long idleness. 

Such was the condition of the navy of the United States when Abraham 
Lincoln was made President. Four years later the navy of the United 
States consisted of si.\ hundred and seventy-one vessels. No nation of 
the world had such a naval power. The stern lessons of the great war had 
taught shipbuilders that wooden ships were a thing of the past. The little 
"Monitor" had by one afternoon's battle proved to all the sovereigns of 
Europe that their massive ships were useless. And all this had been done 
by a people grappling in deadly strife with an enemy in their very dwellings. 
The world's history contains no more wonderful story of energy and in- 
vention. 

When President Lincoln began his term of office, he appointed Gideon 
Welles of Connecticut Secretarj' of the Navy. South Carolina had seceded 
from the Union. Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana 
had followed South Carolina. Anderson, with a handful of United States 
troops, was holding P'ort Sumter, expecting every minute to see the puff of 
smoke from the distant casement of Fort Moultrie, and hear the shriek 
of the shell that should announce the opening of the attack. At Wash- 
ington, politicians were intriguing. The loyalty of no man could be re- 
garded as certain. Officers of the army and navy were daily resigning, 
and hastening to [nit themselves under the command of their various 
States. In the South all was activity. In the North the popular desire 
for a compromise hampered the authorities so that no decided stand 
against the spread of the rebellion could be made. The new Secretary 
of the Navy found himself face to face with the certainty of a long and 
bloody war, yet had under his command a navy hardly adequate for times 




DEPARTURE OF A NAVAL EXPEDITION FROM PORT ROYAL, 



BLUE-JACKI-yrS OF '6 1. 



of peace. To add to his perplexity, many of the oldest and most skilful 
officers in the navy resigned, saying that their duty to their States was 
greater than to the United States as a whole. A few even went so far 
as to deliver to the State authorities the United States vessels of which 
they were in command. One commander, a Georgian, bringing his ship 
back from foreign waters, hesitated long whether to take it to the navy- 
yard at New York, or to deliver it to the Southern leaders. He finally 
decided to obey orders, and the ship remained with the United States. 
Some days afterward the commander told his lieutenant of his hesitation. 
"We all saw it," said the younger officer; "and had you turned the ship's 
prow towards Charleston, you would have been instantly put in irons." 

The surrender of another naval vessel called forth that famous despatch 
from John A. Di.K that will ever be linked with his name. The United 
States revenue cutter "McClelland" was lying at New Orleans, under 
the command of Capt. Breshwood. All revenue cutters, though officered 
by navy officers, are under the general command of the Secretary of the 
Treasury. John A. Di.x, then Secretary of the Treasury, suspected that 
Capt. Breshwood was about to surrender his vessel to the Confederates, 
and sent an agent to order him to take the vessel to New York. Bresh- 
wood refused, and instantly Di.\ sent the despatch: "Tell Lieut. Caldwell 
to arrest Capt. Breshwood, assume command of the cutter, and obey the 
order through you. If Capt. Breshwood, after arrest, undertakes to inter- 
fere with the command of the cutter, tell Lieut. Caldwell to consider him 
as a mutineer, and treat him accordingly. If any man attempts to haul 
down the Auierican flag, shoot him on the spot." This desjiatch was inter- 
cepted by the Confederates, and the cutter was surrendered. But Di.x's 
determined words reverberated through the North, and thrilled all hearts 
with the hope that the time for delay was past, and that the growing 
rebellion would be ]5Ui: down with a firm hand. 

.So at the opening of the war we find the North with a navy consisting 
of but a few old-fashioned ships, few sailors, officers everywhere resigning, 
and a general feeling of distrust of brother ofificers in all grades. 

The condition of the South as regards the nav\- was even worse. The 



BLLE-JACKE TS OF 'ai. 



Southern States had never done any great amount of ship-building. The 
people were almost all engaged in farming. .The crops of cotton and sugar 
that they raised were shipped in vessels built in Maine, and manned bv 
sailors from the sea-faring villages of Xew England. At the time the war 
broke out, there was hardly a ship-yard in the confines of the Confederacy 
A few vessels were gained by the treachery of United States officers. The 
capture of the Norfolk navy-yard brought them large quantities of naval 
stores, and by wonderful activity a few vessels were built for service on 
inland sounds and rivers. But at no time could the Confederacv have 
been said to have a navy ; and, keeping this fact in view, the record the 
Confederates made with two or three vessels is most wonderful. In war- 
vessels for service on that wonderful net-work of rivers that make up the 
water-ways of the Mississippi Valley, the South was not so deficient as 
in ships of the sea-going class. The long, crescent-shaped levee at Xew 
Orleans is lined throughout certain seasons of the year by towering river- 
steamers which ply up and down the Mississippi and connecting streams, 
taking from the plantations huge loads of cotton, sugar, and rice, and 
carrying to the planters those supplies which can only be furnished by the 
markets of a great city. The appearance of one of these towering river 
tr:insports as she comes sailing down the turbid stream of the great Father 
of Waters, laden to the water's edge with brown bales of cotton, and 
emitting from her lofty, red crowned smoke-stacks dense clouds of pitchy 
black smoke, is most wonderful. Unlike ocean-steamers, the river-steamer 
carries her load upon her deck. Built to penetrate far towards the head- 
waters of rivers and bayous that in summer become mere shallow ditches, 
these steamers have a very light draught. Many of them, whose tiers of 
white cabins tower sixty or seventy feet into the air, have but three feet 
of hull beneath the river's surface. The first deck, when the vessel is 
but lightl)- loaded, stands perhaps two feet out of water. Above this, 
carried on rows of posts twenty feet high, comes the first cabin. All 
between is open to the air on either side ; so that, as one of the huge 
river-monsters passes at night, the watcher on the bank can see the 
st.alwart, black, half-naked bodies of the negro stokers, bending before the 



BLUi;-jACKi:r.s ok '6i. 



glowing furnace doors, and throwing in the soft coal, that issues in clouds 
of smoke from the towering chimneys seventy feet above. The lights in 
three rows of cabin windows glow ; and the unceasing beat of the paddle- 
wheels mingles with the monotonous puff of the steam from the escajie- 
pipes, and the occasional hursts of music from the open cabin doors. One 
who for the first time looks on one of these leviathans of the Mississiiipi, 
pursuing its stately course at night, does not wonder at the frightenetl 
negro, who, seeing for the first time a night-steamboat, rushed madly from 
the river's bank, crying that the angel Gabriel had come to blow the last 
trump. 

When these boats have taken on their full load of cotton, they present 
a very different appearance. Then all the open space beneath the cabins 
is filled by a mass of cotton-bales. The hull is so sunken in the water 
that the lowest tier of cotton-bales is lapped by the little waves that 
ruffle the surface of the river. The stokers anel fuinaccs are hid from \ie\v, 
and the cabins appear to be floating on one huge cotton bale. Generally 
a great wooden stern-wheel propels this strange craft, adding to the gro- 
tesqueness of the sight. 

It may readily be understood, that vessels of this class, in which strength 
was subordinated to lightness, and economy to gingerbread decoration, 
seemed to be but poor materials for vessels-of-war. The tremendous recoil 
of a rifled cannon fired from one of those airy decks, meant to stand no 
ruder shock than the vibration caused bv dancing pleasure-parties, would 
shake the whole frail structure to pieces. Yet the ingenuity born of 
necessitv, and the energy awakened by the immediate prospect of war, led 
the Confederate engineers to convert some of these pleasure-palaces into 
the most terrible engines of destruction chronicled in the annals of war. 
The first step was to sweep off all the towering superstructure of decks, 
cabins, and saloons ; tear away all the fanciful mouldings, the decorated 
staterooms, and carved and gilded stairways. This left a long, shallow hull, 
with a powerful engine in the centre, and great paddle-wheels towering on 
cither side ; the whole so light that the soldiers of Grant's army, when 
they first saw one, stoutly averred that " those boats could run on a 



8 BLUI'l-JACKETS OF '6i. 

heavy dew." The hull was then thinly plated with iron, and the prow 
lengthened, and made massive, until it formed the terrible "ram," fallen 
into disuse since the days of the Greek galleys, to be taken up again by 
naval architects in the nineteenth century. Then on the deck was built a 
pent-house of oak and iron, with sloping sides just high enough to co\-er 
the engine. The two towering smoke-stacks, the pride of the old river- 
steamers, were cut down to squat pipes protruding a foot or two above the 
strange structure. In the sides were embrasures, from which, when open, 
peered the iron muzzles of the dogs of war, ready to show their teeth and 
spit fire and iron at the enemy. This was the most powerful type of the 
river gunboat, and with them the Confederacy was fairly well provided ; 
though it was not long before the war department of the United States 
was well supplied with similar ships. It was these iron-clad gunboats that 
used to rouse the anger of the doughty Admiral Farragut, who persisted in 
declaring them cowardly engines of destruction, and predicted that as they 
came into use, the race of brave fighting jack-tars would disappear. On one 
occasion the admiral was ploughing his way up the Mississippi above New 
Orleans, in one of Commodore Baily's river iron-clads. The batteries of 
the enemy on either hand were pounding away at the ascending ships, 
hurling huge bolts of iron against their mailed sides, with a thunder that 
was deafening, and a shock that made the stricken ships reel. Th6 admiral 
stood in the gun-room of one of the iron-clads, watching the men working 
the guns, in an atmosphere reeking with the smoke of the powder. A look 
of manifest disapproval was on his face. Suddenly an unusually well- 
directed shot struck a weak ])oint in the armor, and, bursting through, killed 
two men near the admiral's position. He looked for a moment on the 
ghastly spectacle, then turning to an officer said, " You may stay here in 
}-our iron-clad room if you wish : as for me, I feel safer on deck." And on 
deck he went, and stayed there while the fleet passed through the hail 
of shot and shell. 

The scarcity of iron in the Southern States prevented the naval authori- 
ties of the newly organized Confederacy from equijjping a very large fleet 
of iron-clads. At the outbreak of the war, the Tredegar Iron Works at 



ISLUK-TACKKTS OI'' Y,i. 



Richmond was the only place in the South where iron plates of a size 
suitable for plating vessels could be rolled. The demand was of course 
far in excess of the facilities of the factory, and many were the make-shifts 
that ship-buiklers were forced to. Some x'cssels were plated only about the 
centre, so as to protect the boiler and engines. Others bore such a thin 
coat of iron that they were derisively called "tin-clads" by the sailors, 
who insisted that a Yankee can-opener was all that was necessary to rip 
the vessel up. Sometimes, when even a little iron was unattainable, bales 
of cotton were piled up around the sides, like breastworks, for the protec- 
tion of men and engines. The vessel which captured the United States 
ship " Harriet Lane," at Galveston, was thus provided ; and the defence 
]iroved verv valuable. One great objection to the cotton-bale bulwarks was 
the very inflammable nature of the material, since a red-hot shot from the 
enemy, or a bit of blazing wadding from a gun, woidd set it smouldering 
with a dense black smoke that drove the men from their guns until the 
bales could be thrown overboard ; thus extinguishing the fire, but exposing 
the men to the fire of the enemy. 

One of the most striking features of the war of the Rebellion was the 
manner in which private citizens hastened to contribute towards the public 
defence. This was so no less in naval than in military circles. Perhaps 
the greatest gift ever made by a citizen to his Government was the gift by 
"Commodore" Vanderbilt to the United States of a magnificently equi]3ped 
ship-of-war, which was named "The Vanderbilt" in honor of her ilonor, 
and did efficient service in maintaining the bluckade on the Atlantic coast. 
Mr. James Gordon Bennett, the present owner of the "New-York Herald." 
put his yacht at the service of the Government, and was himself commis- 
sioned a lieutenant in tlie revenue service. 



CJ ^^-B-^l^-i^^; 



>*^ 




CHAPTER II. 



FORT SUMTER BOMBARDED. — ATTEMPT OF THE "STAR OF THE WEST" TO RE-ENFORCE 
ANDERSON. — THE NAVAL EXPEDITION TO FORT SUMTER.— THE RESCUE OF THE FRIGATE 
"CONSTITUTION." — BURNING THE NORFOLK NAVY- YARD. 



!j ^>^ a ^. 



HE first purely warlike event of the civil wnr was the bombard- 
ment and capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, by the 
troops of the State of South Carolina. At the time when it first 
became evident that civil war was inevitable, l-'ort Sumter was 
vacant. The only United States troops stationed at Charleston were two 
companies of artillery under Major Robert Anderson. The fortifications 
of Charleston Harbor consisted of Fort Moultrie on the main land (in which 
Anderson's command was stationed), Fort Pinckney, and Fort Sumter 
standing massive and alone in the centre of the harbor. Anderson, with 
his handful of troojis in the most \Tilnerabie of the three forts, saw day by 
day the secession sentiment growing stronger. Almost daily some of the 
privileges of the soldiery were cut off; such as the right of passing through 
the city, and the right to buy supplies in the public markets. Daily could 
be heard the drum and the tread of the newly organized bodies of State 
soldiers. Anderson saw that his i)osition was a weak one, but could get 
no orders from headquarters. P'inally he decided to assume the responsi- 
bility of evacuating Fort Moultrie and occupying I'ort Simiter. To-day it 
hardly seems as though he could have thought of doing otherwise, but 



BLUE-JACKKIS OF '6i. 



1 1 



at that time it was a grave responsibility for a man to assume. The whole 
voice of the North was for compromise, and it was his part to commit the 
first overt act of war. But he was nobly upheld in his decision by his 
Northern brethren. Having decided, he lost no time in carrying his plan 




FORT ^rOUI.TRIE. 



into effect. His little corps of truops was drawn up at midnight on the 
parade, and for the first time informeel of the contemplated movement. 
The guns of Fort Moultrie were hurriedly knocked from their trunnions, 
and spiked ; the gun-carriages were piled in great heaps, and fired ; and 
every thing that might in any way be used against the United States 
Government was destroyed. Then the work of evacuation was begun. 



BLUK-IACKKTS OF '61. 



A small fleet of row-boats carried the li-onps to the entrance of the great, 
sullen fort, standing alone in the middle of the harbor, and made frequent 
trips bringing supplies and ammunition from the deserted fortress. All 
was done silently : the oars were muffled, and the commands of the officers 
were whispered, that no tidings should be told of the mox'ement under way. 
Before sunrise all was completed ; and when the rays of the rising sun fell 
upon the stars and stripes floating from the flagstaff of Sumter, the peo|ile 
of Charleston turned their eyes from the starry flag to the clouds of smoke 
arising from Fortress Moultrie, and comprehended that the war had begun. 
Newspaper correspondents and agents of the Federal Goyernment, and the 
Southern leaders, rushed for the tclegraijli-wires ; and the news soon sped 
oyer the country, that Sumter was occupied. The South Carolinians at 
once began to build earthworks on all points bearing on the fort, and were 
evidently preparing to driye Anderson and his troops out. Anderson 
promptly telegraphed to Washington for supplies and re-enforcements, and 
expressed his intention of staying as long as the walls stood. The Goyern- 
ment was dilatory, but finally concluded to re-enforce the fort, and to that 
end secured the steamer " Star of the West," and began the work of 
proyisioning her for the voyage. It was decided that she should carry no 
guns: that would look too much like war; and accordingly, on the 8th of 
January, this helpless vessel set out to the aid of the beleaguered garrison 
of Fort Sumter. The news was at once telegraphed to Charleston ; and 
the gunners in the Confederate trenches shotted their guns, and awaited the 
appearance of the steamer. She hove into sight on the morning of the 12th, 
and when within range was notified, by a sh(jt across her bows, that she 
was expected to stop. This signal being disregarded, the firing began in 
earnest ; and the shot and shell fell thick about the ship, which kept 
pluckily on her course. 'But it was useless to persist. One shot struck the 
steamer near the bows, others whizzed through her rigging, and finally her 
captain saw a tug putting out from the land, towing a schooner crowded 
with armed men to cut off the " Star's " retreat. He gave the command 
"Hard a port." The ship's head swung round, and she steamed away, 
leaving the garrison to their fate. An old Lrminer who stood in a casemate 



14 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



of Fort Sumter, with the lanyard of a shotted gun in his hand, tells the story 
of how he begged Major Anderson to let him fire on the rebel batteries. 
" Not yet ; be patient," was the response. When the shells began to fall 
thick about the steamer, he again asked permission to retaliate, but met 

the same response. 
Then when he saw 
the white splinters 
fly from the bow, 
where the enemies' 
shell had struck, he 
cried, " Now, sure- 
ly, we can return 
thai !" but still the 
answer was, " Be 
patient." When 
the " Star of the 
West," confessing 
defeat, turned and 
fled from the har- 
bor, Anderson 
turned and walked 
away, curtly saying 
there was no need 
to fire then, but to 
save the load for 
the necessity that 
was coming. 

The first naval operation of the war was the expedition fitted out to 
relieve Fort Sumter. In itself, this expedition was but an insignificant 
affair, ending in failure ; but as the first warlike action on the part of the 
United States Government, it attracted the greatest attention throughout 
the nation. In prejjaring the vessels for sea, great care was taken to keep 
their destination secret, so that no warning should reach the Confederates, 




MAJOR ROBERT ANDERSON. 






-ii; 


f 


".'% 
"' ^ 


^.■^ 


fi> 







m 




FORT SUMTER UNDER FIRE. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. I 7 



who were lyiiiL; in their batteries about Sumter, awaiting" the first offensive 
action of the United States authorities to begin shelling the fortress. 
While the squadron was fitting out, it was generally supposed that it was 
intended to carry troops and munitions of war to Fort Pickens in Pensacola 
Harbor, which was invested b\' the Confederates. When the fleet finally 
sailed, each commander carried sealed orders, upon opening which he first 
found that the expedition was bound for Charleston Harbor. Notwith- 
standing all this secrecy, the destination of the fleet was telegraphed to the 
Confederates almost as soon as the last vessel dropped past Sandy Hook ; 
and tlie fire from the circle of batteries about the doomed fort in Charleston 
Harbiir began immediately. When the fleet arrived at its ilestination, the 
bombardment was well under way. To attempt to laml troops or stores 
under the withering fire concentrated upon the fort, would have been mad- 
ness. The only vessel of sufficient strength to engage the batteries, the 
" Pawnee," had been separated from the fleet by a gale a few nights before, 
and had not yet arrived. Sadly the sailors gave up the attempt, and, 
beating up and down outside the harbor bar, awaited the inevitable end of 
the unequal conflict. When, finally, after a heroic resistance of several 
days. Major Anderson and his little band, worn with constant vigilance 
and labor, destitute of provisions, and exposed to a constant hail of iron 
missiles from without and a raging fire within, agreed to capitulate, the 
United States steamship "Baltic," of the Fort Sumter expedition, took him 
on board and bore him safely to New York. The main purpose of the 
expedition liad failed, it is true ; but the Government had made its first 
decisive move, and public sympathy and confidence were excited. 

The preparations for the coming struggle were now being pressed 
forward on every hand. An incident which occurred soon after the fall 
of Sumter awakened the greatest enthusiasm throughout the North. The 
United States frigate "Constitution" was lying at Anna]3olis, where she 
was being used by the authorities of the naval academy there for a school- 
ship. Although the State of Maryland had not seceded from the Union, 
yet secessionists were to be found in great numbers in all parts of the State. 
A number of them determined to seize the ship. Besides being a war-vessel 



1 8 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



of considerable strength, the "Constitution" — or " Okl Ironsides," as she 
was affectionately called — was famous for her many exploits, and dear to 
the hearts of Americans for her long service under the stars and stripes. 
" If we can but capture the vessel, and turn her guns against the Union," 
thought the conspirators, "we will strike a heavy blow at the Northern 
sympathizers." And, indeed, it would have been a heavy blow to the 
nation had they captured the old frigate that did such service imder Preble 
in the war with Tripoli; and that in the War of 1812 forced the British to 
strike their colors, and gave to the United States navy an equal place on the 
high seas with any nation of the world. The plans of the conspirators 
were well laid. The ship was manned by but twenty men, and lay above 
a bar, over which she could only be carried by the aid of a steam-tug. 
Fortunately the officers and crew were all loyal. For four days and four 
nights they watched the preparations being made on shore for their capture. 
Mysterious signals flashed from the surrounding hills. Armed bodies of 
men were seen drilling on the shore. All seemed to tend toward certain 
capture. Yet with no chance of escape the brave men kept vigilant guard, 
with guns shotted and always primed. 

Near Annapolis was stationed the Eighth Massachusetts Infantry, with 
Gen. Butler in command. News was carried to the general of the perilous 
position of the " Constitution," and he at once determined to hasten to her 
relief. Just as the crew of the old frigate had abandoned all hope, the 
steamer "Maryland" entered the harbor, her guards and decks crowded 
with the men of the Eighth Massachusetts. Quickly the "Constitution" 
was prepared for sailing. Her anchors were slipped, all useless weight cast 
o\'erboard, and, with the "Maryland" as tug, the stately frigat* passed 
slowly over the bar, and out of the grasp of the conspirators. 

The " Constitution " was not the only United States vessel that the 
Confederates were planning to seize. Soon after she escaped from their 
hands, an event occurred by which a vast quantity of naval stores, and the 
mutilated but still valuable hulls of some of the most powerful war-\jessels 
in the United .States navy, fell into their hands. The United States^navy- 
yard at Norfolk was one of the most valuable of all the governmental 



BLUK-JACKKTS OF '6i. 1 9 



possessions. In the great yard was government property amounting to 
more tlian twenty millions of dollars. Machine-shops, foundries, (hvellings 
for officers, and a massive granite dry-doctc made it one of the most 
complete navy-yards in the world. An enormous quantity of cannon, 
cannon-balls, powder, and small-arms packed the huge storehouses. In« 
the magnificent harbor were l}ing some of the most formidable vessels of 
the United States na\'y, including the steam fi'igate " Merrimac," of which 
we shall hear much hereafter. Small wonder was it, that the people of 
Virginia, about to secede from the Union, looked with covetous eyes ujion 
this vast stock of munitions of war lying apparently within their grasp. 
It did not take long for them to persuade themselves that they were right 
in seizing it ; and, once decided, their movements were vigorous and open. 
Of their ability to capture the'yard, and gain possession of all the property 
there, they felt no doubt. The first thing to be done was to entrap the 
ships so that they should be unable to get out of the harbor. Accordingly, 
on the i6th of April, three large stone-vessels were sunk directly in the 
channel, apparently barring the exit of the frigates most effectually. 
Indeed, so confident of success were the plotters, that in a despatch to 
Richmond, announcing the successful sinking of the stone-ships, they said, 
" Thus have we secured for Virginia three of the best ships of the navy." 
But later events showed, that, in boasting so proudly, the Virginians were 
committing the old error of counting chickens before they were hatched. 

The condition of affairs within the navy-yard now seemed desjjerate. 
There seemed to be no chance of getting the vessels beyond the obstruc- 
tions. The militia of Virginia was rapidly gathering in the town. Among 
the naval officers on the ships great dissension existed, as many were 
Southerners, about to resign their posts in the United .States service to 
enter the service of their States. These men would, of course, give no 
active aid to any movement for the salvation of the United States iiroperty 
in the yard. Any assistance must come from the outside ; the beleaguered 
could but jiassively await the course of events. 

j9^seven o'clock on the night of April 21, the United States steamer 
"Pawnee," which had been lying under the guns of Fortress Monroe, 



20 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



hoisted anchor, and headed up the bay, on an errand of destruction. It 
was too late to save the navy-yard with its precious stores. The only thing 
to be done was to burn, break, and destroy every thing that might be of 
service to an enemy. The decks of the " Pawnee" were black with men, — 
soldiers to guard the gates, and complete the work of destruction within the 
yard ; blue-jacketed tars to do what might be done to drag the entrapped 
vessels from the snare set them by the Virginians. It was a bright moon- 
light night. The massive hull of the ship-of-war, black in the cold, white 
rays of the moon, passed rapidly up the Elizabeth River. The sunken 
wrecks were reached, and successfully avoided ; and about nine o'clock the 
"Pawnee" steamed into the anchorage of the navy-yard, to be greeted 
with cheers from the tars of the "Cumberland" and "Pennsylvania," who 
expected her arrival. The townspeople seeing the war-vessel, with ports 
thrown open, and black muzzles of the guns protruding, took to their houses, 
fearing she would open fire on the town. Quickly the "Pawnee" steamed 
to her moorings. The marines were hurriedly disembarked, and hastened 
to guard the entrances to the navy-yard. Howitzers were planted so as to 
rake every street leading to the yard. Thus secure against attack, the work 
of the night began. Nearly two thousand willing hands were set hard at 
work, cannon were dismounted and spiked, rifles and muskets dashed to 
pieces ; great quantities of combustibles were piled up in the mammoth 
buildings, ready to be fired at a given signal. In the mean time, the blue- 
jackets were not idle. It was quickly decided, that, of all the magnificent 
vessels anchored in the harbor, the " Cumberland " was the only one that 
could be towed past the obstructions in the river. All hands were set to 
work removing every thing of value from the doomed vessels to the 
"Cumberland;" gunpowder and combustibles were then arranged so as to 
completely destroy the vessels when ignited. When the moon w^ent down 
at twelve o'clock, the jjreparations were complete. All the men were then 
taken on board the "Cumberland" and "Pawnee," save a few who were 
left to fire the trains. As the two vessels started from the moorings, the 
barracks were fired, the lurid light casting a fearful gleam upon the crowded 
yards and shrouds of the towering frigate. A litthi way out in the stream 



BLUE-TACKF:TS of '6i. 



a rocket was sent up from the " Pawnee." This was the signal for the 
firing of the trains. The scene that followed is thus described by an eye- 
witness : — 

" The rocket sped high in air, paused a second, and burst in shivers 
of many colored lights ; and, as it did so, the well-set trains at the ship- 
houses, and on the decks of the fated vessels left behind, went off as if 
lit simultaneously by the rocket. One of the ship-houses contained the old 
' New York,' a ship thirty years on the stocks, and yet unfinished ; the 
other was vacant. But both houses, and the old ' New York,' burned like 
tinder. The vessels fired were the ' Pennsyh'ania,' the ' Merrimac,' the 
' Germantown,' the 'Plymouth,' the ' Raritan,' the 'Columbia,' and the 
'Dolphin.' The old 'Delaware' and 'Columbus," worn-out and disabled 
seventy-fours, were scuttled, and sunk at the upper docks on F"riday. 

" I need not try to picture the scene of the grand conflagration that now 
burst like the day of jutlgment on the startled citizens of Norfolk, Ports- 
mouth, and all the surrounding country. Any one who has seen a ship 
burn, and .knows how like a fiery serpent the flame leaps from pitchy deck 
to smoking shrouds, and writhes to their very top around the masts that 
stand like martyrs doomed, can form some idea of the wonderful display 
that followed. It was not thirty minutes from the time the trains were 
fired, till the conflagration roared like a hurricane, and the flames from land 
and water swayed and met and mingled together, and darted high, and fell, 
and leaped up again, and by their ^ffry motion showed their sympathy with 
the crackling, crashing war of destruction beneath. 

"Put in all this magnificent scene the old ship 'Pennsylvania' was the 
centre-piece. She was a very giant in death, as she had been in life. She 
was a sea of flame ; and when the iron had entered her soul, and her bowels 
were consuming, then did slie spout forth from every porthole of every 
deck torrents and cataracts of fire, that to the mind of Milton would have 
represented her a frigate of hell pouring out unending broadsides of infernal 
fire. Several of her guns were left loaded, but not shotted ; and as the fire 
reached them they sent out on the startled morning air minute-guns of 
fearful peal, that added greatly to the alarm that the light of the fire had 



BI.UK-IACKETS OF '6i. 



spread through the country round about. The ' Pennsylvania ' burned like 
a volcano for five hours anil a half before her mainmast fell. I stood watch- 
ing the proud but perishing old leviathan as this emblem of her majesty 
was about to comedown. At precisely half-past nine o'clock the tall tree 
that stood in her centre tottered and fell, and crushed deep into her burning 
sides." 

During this fearful scene the jDCople of the little town, and the Virginia 
militia-men who had been summoned to take possession of the navy-yard, 
were no idle spectators. Hardly had the " Pawnee " steamed out into the 
stream, when the great gates were battered down, and crowds of men 
rushed in, eager to save whatever arms were uninjured. Throughout the 
fire they worked like beavers, and succeeded in saving a large quantity of 
munitions of war to be used by the Confederacy. The ships that had been 
fired all burned to the water's edge. One was raised, and re-appeared as 
the formidable "Merrimac" that at one time threatened the destruction 
of the whole Union navy. » 

A great amount of valuable property was saved for the Virginians by 
the coolness of a young boy, the son of one of the citizens of the town. 
This lad was within the gates of the tiavy-yard when the troops from the 
shijjs rushed in, and closed and barricaded them against the townspeople. 
He was frightened, and hid himself behind a quantity of boards and rubbish, 
and lay there a silent and immensely frightened spectator of the work of 
destruction. An officer passed near him directing the movements of two 
sailors, who were laying a train of gunpowder to an immense pile of 
explosives and combustibles in the huge granite dry-dock. The train 
passed over a broad board ; and the boy, hardly knowing what he did, drew 
away this board, leaving a gap of eight inches in the train. When all the 
trains were fired, this was of course stopped at the gap ; and the dry-dock 
was saved, and still remains in the Norfolk Navy- Yard. 







CHAPTER III. 

DIFFICULTIES OF THE CONFEPERATES IN GETTING A XAVV. — EXPLOIT OF THE "FRENCH 
LADY." — NAVAL SKIRMISHING ON THE P0TOM.\C.— THE CRUISE OF THE "SUMTER." 




HP2 disparity of maritinij^. importance between the North and the 
South, and the consequent difficulties to be overcome by the latter 
in getting a navy, liave been already alluded to. As it has been 
stated, in river-steamers aixl ponderous rams the South was fairly 
well supplied; but what was really needed were ocean-going ships, to break 
the rigid blockade that was slowly starving the Confederacy into submis- 
sion, — swift cruisers to prey on the commerce of the cnem\-, and powerful 
linc-of-battle ships, which, by successfully cojaing with the vessels of the 
United States on the high seas, should secure for the Confederacy recog- 
nition, and possibly assistance, from the great powers of Europe. But 
how to get these without ship-yards, ship-builders, or seamen, was a task 
that bafHed the ingenuity of the best minds in the Soutli. Immediately 
upon the organization of the Confederate cabinet, an agent was sent to 
England to negotiate for vessels and guns. But, though this agent was 
a man of wonderful resources and great diplomacy, _he found an almost 
insuperable obstacle in the uni\'ersally recognized law of nations, to the 
effect that no neutral nation shall sell vessels or munitions ol war to belliger- 
ents. It is true that this agent, Capt. Bulloch, did succeed in secur- 



26 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



ing three ships, — the "Florida," the "Shenandoah," and the celebrated 
" Alabama ; " but to do so cost an immense amount of diplomacy and 
the sacrificing of the strength of the vessels to the necessity which 
existed for making them appear to be merchantmen. To build an iron- 
clad in a foreign port, was out of the question ; and consequently ships 
so obtained«were forced to fly from any well-equipped war-vessel, and only 
venture to attack unarmed merchantmen. 

The United States vessels which were delivered into the hands of the 
Confederates by their officers were mainly small revenue cutters, of little 
use in naval warfare and soon given up or destroyed. Not a single ship of 
this class made any record of distinguished service for the Confederacy. 
Several merchant-vessels were captured by the Confederates, who concocted 
the most ingenious plans to secure success. One bright July morning 
the steamer "St. Nicholas" was lying at her dock in l^altimore, with 
steam up, and all prepared for her regular trip down the Chesapeake. Quite 
a large number of passengers had bought tickets, and lounged about the 
decks, waiting for the voyage to begin. Among the passengers were a 
number of mechanics, with tools in their hands, going down the bay in 
search of work. Shtirtly before the signal to cast off was given, a car- 
riage was driven down the wharf, and a lady, heavily veiled, alighted, as- 
sisted by two gentlemen. The gentlemen stated that she was a Fi-eiich 
lady, and in ill-health. Accordingly she was at once assigned a stateroom, 
to which she retired. Soon after, the vessel cast off and headed down 
the bay. When fairly out of the harbor, the stateroom door 0]iened, and 
instead of the frail, heavily veiled widow who went in, out strode a black- 
whiskered man, armed to the teeth. He had no trouble now in speaking 
English, and at once demanded the surrender of the ship. The honest 
mechanics dropped their tools, and, drawing concealed weapons, rallied 
around their leader. Tiiey had found the work they started out to seek. 
The ship was captured, and a new privateer was ready to prey on Northern 
merchant-ships. Once in the hands of the conspirators, the vessel was 
run into a little port where the passengers were landed, and a hundred 
and fifty more Confederates taken aboard. Under th command of Capt. 




■HIE ••IKl.NCIl l.ADV. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 29 



Thomas (the " French lady " ), the \essel proceeded to l<'redericksburj,s 
where she, and three bri_i;s captured on the way, were delivered to the 
Confederate leaders. This adventure so favorably terminated, Thomas, 
with his officers, started back to Baltimore, to lay plans for the capture 
of some other unsuspecting craft. But fortune, which had thus far favored 
him, deserted him at last. On the vessel upon which the conspirators 
took passage were two police-officers of Baltimore. One of these officers 
recognized Thomas, and quietly laid plans for his capture. In the harbor 
at Baltimore stands Fort McHenry. Under its frowning casemates the 
ships of the United States could lie without fear of attack from the 
thousands of discontented men who made of Baltimore a secession city. 
The captain of the " i\Iary Washington" was ordered by Lieut. Carmichael, 
the officer of poliee, to bring the ship into the anchorage, under the guns of 
the fort. This soon came to the ears of Thomas, who with his men rallied 
on the deck, and, with revolvers drawn, seemed prepared to make a 
desperate resistance. They were soon convinced that the officers had 
ample power behind them, and therefore submitted. On arriving at the 
fort, a company of soldiers was sent aboard the boat, and the prisoners 
were marched ashore. But Thomas was not to be found. Search was 
made in all parts of the boat, without avail ; and the officers had decided 
that he had jumped overboard, with the desperate intention of swimming 
ashore. Just as they were about to give up the search, a noise was heard 
that seemed to come from a bureau in the ladies' cabin. Search was made, 
and there, coiled up m a narrow bureau-drawer, lay the leader of the band. 
He had been there two hours, and was helpless from cramp and exhaustion. 
He was placed in a cell at Fort Lafayette ; but later, having been given the 
privilege of walking about the fort, managed to escape by making floats of 
empty tomato-cans, and with their aid swimming almost two miles. He was 
afterwards recaptured, and remained a prisoner until released by reason of an 
exchange of prisoners between the North and South. Soon after his capture, 
the Federal authorities at Baltimore learned that plans had been made to 
capture other passenger steamers in the same way ; but the ringleader being 
locked up, there was no difficulty in defeating the plans of the band. 



30 BLUP:-JACKETS of '6i. 



During the first few weeks of the war, before active hostilities had fairly 
commenced, events of this nature were of almost daily occurrence. On the 
Potomac particularly, small cruisers were in continual danger of being 
captured, and put into commission under the Confederate flag. A trading 
schooner loaded with garden-produce, drojiping lazily down the river to the 
bay, would suddenly be boarded by four or five armed men, her crew 
driven below, and the vessel run into some convenient port on the Virginia 
shore, to re-appear in a day or two with a small rifled cannon mounted 
on the fore-castle, and a crew thirsting to capture more vessels for the 
Confederacy. On one occasion a party of congressmen from Washington 
started down the Potomac for an excursion to Hampton Roads. Their 
vessel was a small tug, which carried a bow-gun carefully screened from 
observation by tarpaulin, A short distance down the river, a boat with a 
howitzer was seen putting out into the stream, and shaping its course 
directly across the bows of the tug. As the two boats drew nearer together, 
a demand came from the smaller that the tug should be surrendered " to 
the State of Virginia." Apparently yielding, the captain of the tug slowed 
up his vessel, and waited for his assailants to come alongside, which they 
did until suddenly confronted with the muzzle of a cannon, trained directly 
on their boat, and a loud voice demanding that they surrender at once, 
which they accordingly did, and were taken to Washington by their 
triumphant captors. Many such trivial events are chronicled by the news- 
papers of the time. The advantage gained by either side was small, and 
the only effect was to keep the war sentiment at fever-heat. 

The first regularly commissioned man-of-war of the Confederate States 
was the "Sumter," an old passenger steamer remodelled so as to carry five 
guns. This vessel, though only registering five hundred tons, and smaller 
than many a steam-yacht of to-day, roamed over the high seas at will for 
more than a \-ear, burning and destroying the merchant-vessels of the 
North, and avoiding easily any conflicts with the Northern men-of-war. 
Her exploits made the owners of American merchant-vessels tremble for 
their property; and the United States authorities made the most desperate 
attempts to capture her, but in vain. In his journal of Dec. 3, 1861, Capt. 



blue-jack1':ts ok 



Semmes of the "Sumter" writes with the greatest satisfaction: "The 
enemy has done us the honor to send in pursuit of us the 'Powhattan,' the 
'Niagara/ the 'Iroquois,' the 'Keystone State,' and the 'San Jacinto.'" 
y\ny one of these vessels could liave blown the 'Sumter' out of water with 
one broadside, but the cunning and skill of her commander enabled her to 
escape them all. 

It was on the 1st of June, 1861, that the "Sumter" cast loose from the 
levee at New Orleans, and started down the Mississippi on her way to the 




BLOCKAMINIJ '1 HE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



open sea. For two nmnths \v(jrkmen had been busy fitting her for the new 
part she was to play. The long rows of cabins on the upper deck were 
torn down ; and a heavy eight-inch shell-gun, mounted on a pivot between 
the fore and mainmasts, and the grinning muzzles of four twenty-four- 
pounder howitzers peeping from the ports, told of her warlike character. 
The great levee of the Crescent City was crowded with people that day. 
Now and again the roll of the drum, or the stirring notes of "Dixie," would 
be heard, as some volunteer company marched down to the river to witness 
the departure of the entire Confederate navy. Slowly the vessel dropped 
down the river, and, rounding the English turn, boomed out with her great 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



gun a parting salute to the city she was never more to see. Ten miles from 
the mouth of the river she stopped ; for anchored off the bar below lay the 
powerful United States steamer " Brooklyn," with three other men-of-war, 
each more than a match for the infant navy of the Confederacy. Eleven 
days the "Sumter" lay tugging at her anchors in the muddy current of 
the great river, but at last the time of action arrived. The news came 
that the "Brooklyn" had started in chase of a vessel, and the mouth of 
the river was clear. Quickly the "Sumter" got under way, and with all 
steam up made for the channel over the bar. She was still six miles 
from the bar when the " Brooklyn " caught sight of her, and abandoning her 
first chase strove desperately to head her off. It was a time of intense 
excitement. Each vessel was about equally distant from the bar for which 
each was steaming at the highest possible speed. For the "Sumter," it 
was escape or die. It was too late to fly up the river to the sheltering 
guns of Fort St. Philip. Should the " Brooklyn " get within range, the 
"Sumter" was doomed. The "Brooklyn" was the faster vessel of the two, 
but had the wind in her teeth ; while the "Sumter" had the advantage of 
wind and current. At length the pass was reached, and the " Sumter " 
dashed over the bar, and out on the smooth blue water of the Gulf of 
Mexico, well ahead of her powerful foe. The " Brooklyn " quickly rounded 
to, and a quick puff of smoke from amidships told the crew of the flying 
vessel that the terrible pivot-gun of their enemy had sent a warning 
message after them. But there was but a second of suspense, when a 
great jet of water springing from the surface of the gulf told that the bolt 
had fallen short. The "Brooklyn" then quickly crowded on all sail, and 
started in hot pursuit, but after four hours abandoned the chase, put up 
her helm, and started sullenly back for the river's mouth ; while the tars 
of the "Sumter " crowded shrouds and bulwarks, and cheered heartily for 
the navy of the young Confederacy. 

The " Sumter " was now fairly embarked on her career. The open sea 
was • her territory, and all ships floating the stars and stripes at the mast- 
head were to be her prey. She was not a strong vessel ; and her orders 
were to avoid any battles with the powerful ships of the " Yankee " navy, 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



but to seize and destroy all merchantmen that should come in her 
way. Her first purpose was to capture these vessels, and by selling them 
in neutral ports profit by the prize. But the neutral nations soon refused 
to admit all rebel prizes to their ports ; and, as all the ports of the 
Confederacy were closed by the blockade, nothing was left but to burn 
the vessels when captured. Many a floating bonfire marked the way of the 
little " Sumter," and great was the consternation among the ship-owners of 
the North. 

When four days out, the "Sumter" captured her first prize. She was a 
fine ship, the "Golden Rocket" of Maine, si.\ hundred and ninety tons. 
With the United States flag fluttering at the peak, she came sailing proudly 
towards her unsuspected enemy, from whose peak the red flag of England 
was displayed as a snare. When the two vessels came within a mile of 
each other, the wondering crew of the merchantman saw the English flag 
come tumbling down, while a ball of bunting rose quickly to the peak of 
the mysterious stranger, and catching the breeze floated out, showing a 
strange flag, — the stars and bars of the Confederacy. At the same minute 
a puff of smoke from the " Long Tom " amidships was followed by a solid 
shot ricochetting along the water before the dismayed merchantman, and 
conveying a forcible, but not at all polite, invitation to stop. The situation 
dawned on the astonished skijiper of the ship, — he was in the hands of 
"the Rebels ;" and with a sigh he brought his vessel up into the wind, and 
awaited the outcome of the adventure. And bad enough the outcome was 
for him ; for Capt. Semmes, unwilling to spare a crew to man the prize, 
determined to set her on fire. It was about sunset when the first boat put 
off from the " Sumter " to \isit the captured ship. The two vessels were 
lying a hundred yards apart, rising and falling in unison on the slow rolling 
swells of the tropic seas. The day was bright and warm, and in the west 
the sun was slowly sinking to the meeting line of sky and ocean. All was 
quiet and peaceful, as only a summer afternoon in Southern seas can be. 
Yet in the midst of all that peace and quiet, a scene in the great drama 
of war was being enacted. Nature was peaceful, man violent. 

For a time nothing was heard save the measured thump of the oars in 



34 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



the rowlocks, as the boats plied to and fro between the two ships, trans- 
porting the captured crew to the " Sumter." Finally the last trip was made, 
and the boat hoisted to the davits. Then all eyes were turned toward 
the "Golden Rocket." She lay almost motionless, a dark mass on the black 
ocean. The sun had long since sunk beneath the horizon ; and the darkness 
of the night was only relieved by the brilliancy of the stars, which in 
those latitudes shine with wondrous brightness. Soon the watches on 
the " Sumter " caught a hasty breath. A faint gleam was seen about the 
companionway of the "Rocket." Another instant, and with a roar and 
crackle, a great mass of flame shot up from the hatch, as from the crater 
of a volcano. Instantly the well-tarred rigging caught, and the flame ran 
up the shrouds as a ladder of fire, and the whole ship was a towering mass 
of flame. The little band of men on the "Sumter" looked on the terrific 
scene with bated breath. Though they fully believed in the justice of their 
cause, they could not look on the destruction they had wrought without 
feelings of sadness. It was their first act of war. One of the officers of 
the " Sumter " writes ; " Few, few on board can forget the spectacle, — a 
ship set fire to at sea. It would seem that man was almost warring with his 
Maker. Her helpless condition, the red flames licking the rigging as they 
climbed aloft, the spaiks and pieces of burning rope taken off by the wind, 
and flying miles to leeward, the ghastly glare thrown upon the dark sea as 
far as the eye could reach, and then the deathlike stillness of the scene, — 
all these combined to place the " Golden Rocket " on the tablet of our 
memories forever." But it was not long before the crew of the "Sumter" 
could fire a \-essel, and sail away indifferently, witli hardly a glance at their 
terrible handiwork. 

The " Sumter " continued on her cruise, with varying fortunes. Some- 
times weeks would pass with no prizes to relieve the tedium of the long 
voyage. Occasionally she would run into a- neutral port for coal or water, 
but most of the time was spent on the open sea. The crew were kept 
actively employed with di'ills and exercises; while the officers, yawning over 
their books or games; longed for the welcome cry from the masthead, "Sail 
ho!" In September the "Sumter" captured a brig, the "Joseph Park;" 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 35 



and the boartling officer, on examining the log-book, fomid an entry made 
by her captain on the day of leavnig Pernambuco : " We have a tight, 
fast vessel, and we don't care for Jeff Davis." The luilucky captain had 
holloaed long before he was out of the wood. 

The "Joseph Park" was the last j)rize the tars of the "Sumter" had 
the pleasure of "looting " for many days. Up and down the tropic seas the 
cruiser travelled, loitering about the paths of ocean commerce to no avail. 
Often enough the long-drawn hail of the look-out in the cross-trees, "Sail 
ho-o-o-o ! " would bring the jackies tumbling up from the forecastle, and set 
the officers peering an.xiously through their telescopes. But the sails so 
sighted proved to be English, French, Spanish, any thing but American ; 
and life aboard the " Sumter " became as dull as a iisher's where fish are not 
to be found. In September Capt. Semmes ran his vessel into a Martinique 
harbor, to make some needed repairs, and give the sailors a run ashore. 
Here they were blockaded for some time by the United States frigate 
"Iroquois," but finally escapeil through the cunning of Semmes. Lying in 
the harbor near the "Sumter" were two Yankee schooners, whose cap- 
tains arranged with the commander of the "Iroquois" to signal him if the 
"Sumter" should leave the harbor. If on passing the bar she headed south, 
a single red light slmuld gleam at the masthead of the schooner ; should 
her course lie northward, two lights would be displayed. Semmes, lying at 
anchor in the bay, and chafing over his captivity, determined to break away. 
He had noticed the frequent communications between the schooners and 
the man-of-war, and suspected that his course would be spied out. Xe\er- 
theless, he determined to dare all, and one black night slipped his cables, 
and with all lights out, and running-gear mufifled, glided swiftl}- out of the 
harbor. In the distance he could see the lights of the "Iroquois," as she 
steamed slowly up and down in the offing, like a sentry on guard. Up in 
the cross-trees of the "Sumter" sat a sharp-eyed old quarter-master, with 
orders not to mind the " Iroquois," but to keep a close watch on the 
suspected schooners. Soon a light gleamed from the main-top of each. 
Semmes's suspicions grew. "They have signalled our course,' said he: 
"we'll double." The ship's head was quickly brought about, and headed 



o 



6 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



south ; then all turned to watch the movements of the "Iroquois." She had 
headed northward, and was exerting every power to catch the flying vessel 
supposed to be just ahead. Satisfied with having so successfull)' hum- 
bugged the enemy, the " Sumter " proceeded leisurely on her course to the 
southward, leaving the "Iroquois" steaming furiously in the opposite direc- 
tion. "I do think, however," writes Capt. Semmes in his log-book, "that 
a tough old quarter-master, and a grizzled boatswain's mate, who had clean 
shaven their heads in preparation for a desperate fight, were mightily 
disgusted." 

The subsequent career of the "Sumter" was uneventful. She captured 
but few more vessels ; and in January of the next year ran into the harbor 
at Gibraltar, where she was blockaded by a powerful United States frigate, 
and finally sold as being worn out. She had been in commission a little 
over a year, and in that time had captured eighteen vessels, burned seven, 
and released two on a heavy ransom to be paid to the Confederate Govern- 
ment at the end of the war. It is needless to say these ransoms were 
never paid. Capt. Semmes, with his crew, proceeded to England, and took 
command of a mysterious ship, "No. 290," just built at Liverpool, which 
soon appeared on the high seas as the dreaded "Alabama." 





CHAPTER IV. 



THE POTOMAC FLOTILLA. -CAPTURE OF ALEXAXDRTA. — ACTIONS AT MATTHIAS POINT.— 
BOMBARDMENT OF THE H.ATTERAS FORTS. 




N petty skirmishes and in general inactivity the forces of both 
contestants idled away the five months following the fall of Fort 
Sumter. The defeat of the Union armies at Bull Run had 
checked active operations along the Potomac. On either side 
of the river the hostile armies were drilling constantly to bring the raw 
recruits down to the efficiency of trained soldiers. Four hundred thousand 
men lay in hostile camps within sight of each other. From the national 
Capitol at Washington the stars and bars of the Confederate flag could 
be seen floating over the camp at Arlington. Occasionally the quiet would 
be broken by the crack of a rifle, as some straggler, on one side or the 
other, took a casual shot at the sentry pacing on the other side of the 
broad stream. Sometimes a battery would come dri\-ing down to the shore, 
select :m advantageous .spot, and begin an afternoon's target practice at 
the hostile camp ; but tlie damage done was immaterial, and after wasting 
much powder and shot the recruits would limber up their guns and return 
to their camp. It would have been easy, at almost any time, for either army 
to have crossed the Potomac and invaded the territory of the enemy ; 
but each hung back in apparent dread of taking the first decisive step. 

37 



38 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



Abraham Lincoln at this time illustrated the existing condition of affairs, 
by one of those stories which have made him celebrated as a racontejir. 
A number of politicians, calling at the White House, spoke of the apparent 
inactivity of the army authorities, and demanded that some decisive move 
should be made ; some powerful preparations to beat back the enemy 
should he attempt to cross the Potomac. "Gentlemen," said Lincoln, with 
the twinkle in his eye that always foretold a story, " when I was a boy 
I saw an incident which I have always recollected, and which seems to 
me to resemble very much the attitude now assumed by the parties in 
this impending war. My father owned a dog, — a particularly vicious, 

aggressive, and pugnacious 
bull-terrier, — one of these 
fellows with heavy, short 
necks, and red, squinting 
eyes, that seem ever to be 
on the look-out for a fight. 
Next door to us lived a neigh- 
bor who likewise rejoiced in 
the possession of a canine 
of appearance and habits of 
mind similar to our pet. 
From the date of their first 
meeting these dogs had been deadly enemies, and had growled and yelped 
at each other through the picket-fence separating the two yards, until we 
were forced to keep at least one dog chained continually. The strained 
relations between the dogs became a matter of general interest, and specu- 
lations were rife among the neighbors as to the probable outcome of a hostile 
meeting. Those were the times when a lively dog-fight would draw the 
merchant from his counter, and the blacksmith from his anvil ; and it is 
even on record that an honorable judge once hurriedly adjourned his court 
at the premonitory sounds of snarling in the court-house square. Well, 
the knowledge that two dogs, pining for a fight, were being forcibly re- 
strained, was too much to be borne by the people of the \illage ; and a 




FLAG OF THE CONFEDF,R.\CV. 



BLUE-JACREIS OF '6i. 39 



plot was concocted for bringing about a fight. One night two pickets 
were surreptitiuii.sl\- removcil from the fence, leaving an oldening of ample 
size to peririit a dog to jiass. In the morning our dog was sunning him- 
self in the yard, when the neighbor's dog rushed to his side of the fence, 
and made remarks not to be borne by any self-respecting canine. Then 
began the usual jjcrformance of snarls and barks, and baring of white teeth, 
as the dogs made frantic efforts to get at each other. The neighbors 
assembled in a crowd, and the knowing ones predicted a lively time when 
those two dogs found the hole in the fence. Down the line of the fence 
the two curs walked, their eves glaring, their jaws snapping, their tongues 
out, and dropping foam. The racket was tremendous. At each place where 
the pickets were a little spread, they redoubled their efforts to clinch. They 
approached the opening. The interest of the spectators redoubled. Now 
they reached the spot; spiaing at each other; their jaws touched, — and 
each, dropping his tail, slunk away to his kennel. Gentlemen, the attitude 
of these armies reminds me of that dog-fight." 

While the armies of the two contestants were thus idlv resting upon 
their arms, the navy was obliged to discharge duties, which, while they 
brought some danger, did not gain glory for cither officers or men. The 
joys of Washington society were not for the na\al officers. The applicant 
for promotion, who, when asked bv an e-\aminer, "Where is the post of a 
colonel when his regiment is drawn up for battle.''" responded promptly, 
" In Washington," had been ser\'ing in the army, and not with the naval 
corps. Besides the duties of the officers detailed upon the blockading 
service, there remained to the navy the arduous task of patrolling the 
Potomac River, and jirevcnting as far as possible communication between 
the shores. 

This work, as may be readily understood, demanded the most untiring 
vigilance and the most unflagging energy. The shores on each side of 
the Potomac are indented with bays and tributary streams in which a sloop 
or large row-boat can easily be concealed during the day. At night it was 
imijossible to prevent boats laden with contraband goods, or conveying the 
bearers of secret despatches, slipping across the river from the northern 



40 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

side, and running into the concealment afforded by the irregularity of the 
Virginia shore-line. ]Cven at this early period of the war, the vigorous 
blockade of the Confederate sea-ports, had created a great lack of many- 
necessaries in the Southern States. Particularly did the lack of quinine 
afflict the people of those malarial sections comprised within the limits of 
the South Atlantic and Gulf States. So great was the demand for this 
drug, that the enormous sums offered for it led many a speculative druggist 
north of Mason and Di.xon's line to invest his all in quinine, and try to run 
it through the Potomac blockade. Of course, as the traffic was carried on 
in small boats, it was impossible to break it up altogether; though by the 
efforts of the navy it was almost destroyed. 

Briefly stated, the duties of the Potomac flotilla may be said to have 
been to patrol the river from Washington to its mouth, to inspect both sides 
daily if possible, and to observe whether any preparations for batteries 
were being made at any point, and watch for any transports with troops or 
provisions, and convoy them to Washington. The flotilla consisted of 
small vessels, lightly armed ; the " Pawnee," the heaviest of the fleet, 
being a sloop of less than thirteen hundred tons, with a battery of fif- 
teen guns, none of long range. Clearly such an armada as this could be 
of but little avail against the earthworks which the Virginians were busily 
erecting on every commanding bluff. 

Toward the later jiart of May, 1861, the Federal Government deter- 
mined to send troops across the river and occupy the city of Alexandria. 
The " Pawnee " had for some days been lying off the town, completely 
covering it with her batteries. She had held this position without making 
any offensive movement ; as her commander understood, that, even should 
he compel the town to surrender, he had not the men necessary for holding 
the position. On the morning of the 24th, Commander Rowan saw two 
steamers coming down the river, laden with Federal troops. He at once 
sent a boat ashore, and demanded the surrender of the city, which was 
immediately evacuated by the Virginian troops. When the army of occupa- 
tion landed, it proved to be liUsworth's famous Zouave Regiment, made up 
largely of the firemen and " Bowery boys " of New York City. Ellsworth, 



KLUi:-JACKETS OF '6i. 41 

while marching through the streets at the head of his commaiul, saw a 
Confederate flag floating from a mast on toji of a dwelling. With twD of 
his men he proceeded to enter the house, go on the roof, and tear down the 
flag. As he came down the stairs, a man carrying a gun stepped from a 
doorway, and demanded what he did there. "This is my trophy," cried 
Ellsworth, flourishing the bit of striped bunting. "And you are mine," 
responded the man, cjuickly bringing his gun up, and discharging it full 
into Ellsworth's breast. The two Zouaves, maddened at the death of their 
commander, shot the slayer through the brain, and plunged their bayonets 
into his body before he fell. Ellsworth's death created the greatest excite- 
ment in the North, as it was almost the first blood shed in the war. While 
the capture of Alexandria was in itself no great achievement, it was of 
importance as the first move of the Northern armies into Virginia. 

Had the efforts of the navy towards keeping the Potomac clear of 
hostile batteries been supplemented by a co-operating land force, an 
immense advantage would have been gained at the very outset. As it 
was, all that could be done was to temporarily check the exertions of the 
enemy. A battery silenced by the guns from the ships in the daytime 
could be, and usually was, repaired during the night, and remained a 
constant menace to the transports going to or from Washington. Under 
such circumstances, the work of the Potomac flotilla could only be fatiguing 
and discouraging. Much of it had to be jierformed in row-boats ; and the 
crews of the various vessels were kept rowing up and down the banks of 
the river, making midnight excursions up creeks to examine suspected 
localities, and lying in wait for smugglers, and the mail-carriers and spies 
of the enemy. They were in continual danger of being opened upon by 
masked batteries and concealed sharp-shooters. The " prize money," the 
hope of which cheers up the man-o'-wars-man in his dreariest hours, 
amounted to nothing ; for their prizes were small row-boats and worthless 
river-craft. The few engagements with the enemies' batteries brought 
little glory or success. In one battle on the 29th of May, 1861, a flotilla, 
consisting of the "Thomas Freeborn" (a paddle-wheel steamer, carrying 
three guns), the "Anacostia," and the "Resolute" (a little craft of ninety 



42 lil.L'E-JACKKTS OF '61. 



tons and two guns), engaged the batteries at Ac|uia Creek, and pounded 
away with their pygmy guns for two hours, without doing any visible 
damage. Two da)'s later the bombardment was renewed, and two of the 
vessels were slightly damaged. A more serious event occurred at Matthias 
Point in the latter part of June. Matthias Point was one of the chief 
lurking-places of the Confederate guerillas, who, concealed in the dense 
undergrowth along the banks of the Potomac, could pour a destructive fire 
into any vessels that passed. Commander J. H. Ward of the "Freeborn" 
planned to break up this ambush, sending a landing party to cut away the 
trees and undergrowth. The landing partv, commanded by Lieut. Chniilin, 
was to be covered by the guns of the " Freeborn " and " Reliance." It was 
late in the afternoon when they pushed off for the shore. All seemed 
quiet ; and the bursting of the shells, which were occasionally dropped into 
the woods, seemed to have driven the enemy away. Hardly, however, had 
the sailors begun the work of hewing down the undergrowth, when from 
all quarters a hot fire was begun, dri\'ing them to their boats in a rout. 
The decks of the two vessels were swept by the storm of lead. Commander 
Ward, while sighting the bow-gun of the "Freeborn," was struck in the 
abdomen by a bullet, and died in a few minutes. On the shore the sailors 
were hurrying into the boats and pushing off to avoid captuie. Lieut. 
Chaplin acted with great bravery, and succeeded in getting all his men 
away, with their muskets. The last man left on the shore was unable to- 
swim ; and Chaplin, taking him on his shoulders, bore him safely to the 
boat. Though the fire of the enemy was concentrated on the two, neither 
was hurt, although a minie-ball passed through the lieutenant's cap. 

Two months later this same locality was the scene of another bloody 
disaster to the L^nion arms. On the i6th of August the " Resolute " and 
the " Reliance " were ordered to' make a reconnoisance of the neighborhood 
of Matthias Point. After steaming about the shore for some time, and 
noticing nothing" of a suspicious character, a boat was seen on the \'irginia 
shore, and an officer and five men despatched to capture her. They had 
just reached her, and were in the act of making fast, when a volley of 
musketry was fired from the bushes not more than five yards away, and 



BLUE-JACKirrs OF '6 1. 43 



three of the crew were instantly killed, and one wounded. The watchers 
on the war-vessels, lying in the river, sprang to their guns, and threw 
several rounds of shell into the cover that sheltered the enemv, soon driving 
them away. The two uninjured men in the boat succeeded in getting her 
away with her load of dead and dving. 

It is easy to understand how exasperating, how infuriating, such service 
as this must have been to the officers and men of the navy. For a man to 
risk his life in the heat and excitement of a battle, is as nothing to the 
feeling that one may be at any time caught in a death-trap, and slaughtered 
in cokl blood. 

A more successful expedition was organized in October, by Lieut. 
Harrill of the steamer "Union." He had been informed that a large 
schooner was lying in Ouantico Creek, and that the Confederates were 
massing a number of troops there for the purpose of crossing the river. 
He at once determined to destroy the schooner. Accordingly he manned 
three boats at half-past two in the morning, and in the darkness proceeded, 
with muffled oars, toward the mouth of the creek. Here some difficulty was 
experienced, as the entrance is narrow and obstructed by sandbars ; but 
working energetically, and in perfect silence, the sailors overcame all 
obstacles. Once in the creek, they pulled rapidly along within pistol-shot 
of the shore, until the tall masts of the schooner could be descried in the 
darkness. One sentry was on guard, who fled wildly as he saw the 
mysterious boat emerge from the darkness of the night. The grappling- 
irons were thrown aboard, and the jackies swarmed nimbly up the sides, and 
began the work of destruction. A huge pile of combustibles was made in 
the cabin, and hastily set on fire. The flames spread rapidly ; and, though 
they insured the destruction of the schooner, they also lighted up the creek, 
showing the boats with the sailors beniling to their oars to escape the 
storm of bullets that they knew must follow. The glare of the burning- 
schooner, the reflection of the flames on the water, the flash of the rifles 
from the shores made a wild picture. Occasionally a flash from the river 
was followed by a deep boom, as a heavy shot left the muzzle of a cannon 
on the steamers. But through it all, the men escaped ; and the projected 



44 



i',i,ri;-iACRi:rs of •6i. 



invasion of the Confederates was abandoned, owing to the loss of their 
schooner. 

All through the war this luitiring patrol of the Potomac was continued. 
Among miasmatic vapors and clouds of noxious insects on mud-flats, in 
narrow channels whose densely wooded banks might conceal lc;rions of 



SP3% 







NAV.-\L PATROL O.N 'rHE POTOMAC. 

hostile sharp-shooters, the river navy kept up its work. Earning but little 
glory, though in the midst of constant peril, the officers and men kept up 
their work, and contributed not a little to the final outcome of the great 
conflict. 

All this time the officers of the naval vessels, riding at anchor in 



% 



BLUK-J-\('KI'"I>! Ol" Y,i. 45 



Hampton Roads, were chafmi;- under the enforced itliencss. I'^-en tlie 
occasional artillery duels with which their army l:)rethren whiled away the 
time were denied to the wistful blue-jackets. Heyontl an occasional chase, 
generally useless, after a fleet l)lockade-runnei-, the sailors had absolutely 
no emi^loyment. At last, liowevei-, the oi)[jortunit}- came. Tlie first great 
nawal expedition of the war was set under way. • 

I'rom Cape Meni-y, at the mouth of the James River, the cotist of 
Virginia and North Carolina sweeps grandly out to the eastward, like a 
mammoth bow, with its lower end at Beaufort, twf) hundred miles soutii. 
Along this coast-line tlie great surges of mighty ocean, rolling witli 
unbroken course from the far-off shore of luu'ope, trip and fall with 
unceasing roar upon an almost uninterrupted beach of snowy sand, a 
hundred and more miles long. Near the southern end of this ex[janse of 
sand stands a lighthouse, towering soHtary above the surrounding plain of 
sea and sand. No inviting beacon giving n(jtice to the weary mariner 
of safe haven is this steady light tliat pieix'es the darkness night after 
night. It tells of treacherous shoals and roaring breakers ; of the loss of 
many a good shi]), whose ribs, half buried in the drifting sand, lie rotting 
in the salt air ; of skies ever treacherous, and waters ever turbulent. 
It is the light of Hatteras. 

Some twenty miles below Cape Hatteras light occurs the first great 
opening in the stretch of sand that extends south from Cape Henry. Once 
he has passed through this opening; the mariner finds himself in the most 
peaceful waters. The great surges of the Atlantic spend themselves on the 
sandy fringe outside, while within are the quiet waters of Pamlico and 
Albemarle Sounds, dotted with fertile islands, and bordering a coast rich 
in harbors. The wary blockade-runner, eluding the watchfulness of the 
United States blockaders cruising outside, liad but to pass the portals of 
Hatteras Inlet, to unload at his leisure his precious cargo, and load up with 
the cotton which grew in great abundance on the islands and fertile shores 
of the sound. 

Recognizing the importance of this harbor, the Confederates had early 
in the war fortified the point north of Hatteras Inlet. Shortly after the 



46 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



fall of Fort Sumter, a Yankee skipper, Daniel Campbell, incautiously 
running his schooner the " Lydia Francis" too near the stormy cape, was 
wrecked, and sought :;helter among the people at the inlet. When, some 
days after, he proposed to leave, he was astounded to find that he had been 
delivered from the sea only to fall a prey to the fortunes of war. He was 
kept a prisoner for three months ; and on his release, going directly to 
Fortress Monroe, he proved that he had kept his eyes open to some 
purpose. He reported to flag-ofificcr Stringham that the Confederates had 
.two batteries, — one of ten, the other of five guns, — known as Fort 
Hatteras and Fort Cl;;rk. With these two forts the Confederates claimed 
that they could control the entrance to Albemarle Sound. 

As soon as this information was received, an expedition for the destruc- 
tion of these forts was organized. It was necessarily chiefly naval, although 
a land force under Gen. Butler went with the fleet. On Aug. 25, 1S61, 
Hampton Roads presented a scene of the greatest activity. The fleet 
seemed to have awakened from a long sleep. Every vessel was being 
hastily prepared for sailing. Two transports, the "George Peabody " and 
the " Adelaide," were crowded with the soldiers of Gen. Butler's command. 
From the mainmast' of the flag-ship "Minnesota" waved the signal-flags, 
changing constantly as different orders were sent to the commanders ot 
the other war-ships. At two o'clock three balls of bunting were run up 
to the truck, and catching the breeze were blown out into flags, giving the 
order, "Get under way at once." From the surrounding men-of-war came 
the shrill pipe of the boatswains' whistle, and the steady tramp of the men at 
the capstan bars as they dragged the anchors to the cat-heads. The nimble 
blue-jackets, climbing about the shrouds and yards, soon had the snowy 
clouds of canvas set. The wind was fresh ; and with bands playing, and 
cheers of blue-jackets and soldiers, the stately squadron sailed down the bay. 

But none on board, save the superior officers, knew whither the fleet 
was bound. Hardly were they fairly on the Atlantic when the course 
was shaped to the southward, and that much was settled. But whether 
New Orleans, Charleston, or Beaufort was the point to be attacked, the 
saildrs did not know. 




TMK 1 l.KKT oil- llATTERAS. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 49 



The sqiiiclron which sailed from Huniplon Roads consisted of the war- 
vessels " Minnesota," "Wabash," " I'awncc," " Monticello," and " llairiet 
Lane;" the transports " Georye Peabody " and "Adelaiile;" and the tui;- 
" Fanny." Soon after rounding Cape Henry, the vessels became separated ; 
and when the other \-essels reached Hatteras, on the J/th, the " !\Iinnesota" 
and "Wabash" were nowhere to be seen. y\s these wci-e the most 
powerful frigates of the fleet, great fears were felt for the success of the 
<;xpedition ; but at last they ap[)eared on the horizon. A place for landing 
was selected, and the vessels withdrew into the offing t(} sjiend the night. 
It was determined to begin the attack early the ne.xt day. 

The morning dawnetl clear, with a calm sea. At four o'clock the 
men were summoned to breakfast. At seven the operation of landing the 
troops was begun. All the surf-boats, barges, and life-boats in the fleet 
were put to the work. The great war-vessels moved into position, and 
prepared to cover with a terrific fire the landing of the troops. The first 
shot was fired bv the " Wabash," and the cannonading was at once taken 
up by the rest of the fieet. The vessels were [ilaced so that a whole 
broatlside could be discharged at once. Thousands of pounds o[ iron balls 
■were thrown into the forts. Under cover of the cannonading, the disem- 
barkation of the troops began. 

But the opposition of the Rebels was not the only difficulty to be met. 
During the time consumed in getting ready to land, hea\'y banks ol clouds 
had been crawling up from the horizon, and the solt wind of morning had 
grown into a steady blow. Cape Hatteras was true to its reputation. On 
the shelving beach, where the troops must land, th.e great rollers were 
breaking in torrents of foam. The first life-boats that attempted the 
landing were swamped, and the soldiers reached the lanil wet antl chilled 
through. The surf-boats were stove in. The barges, which had been 
relied upon to land men in large numbers, pro\-ed unmanageable, and were 
towed away bv the " Harriet Lane." When the attempt to land the trooi)s 
was given up, it was found that but three hundred and twenty men had 
been landed. This was too small a party to storm the fopts, and the issue 
of the battle dei)ended upon the great gims of the navy. 



iii.ii;-j.\cKi:is oi' '6i. 51 

By this time llic gunners on tlic ships had calculated the exact range, 
and were firing with fearful effect. Broadside followed broadside, with 
the regularity of machinery. It was war williont its horrors for ll-.c 
blue-jackets, since bad marksmanship or poor |)owder prevented the Con- 
federate gunners doing any damage. On the gun-deck of the sui^erb frigate 
" Minnesota," the jackics were working their guns as coolly as though they 
were on tlrill. The operations of loading and firing were gone through 
with like clock-work. The officers could watch the course of the shells 
until they struck, and instruct the men, without undergoing any danger. 

But in the forts the scene was one of terror. As .soon as the gunners 
of the fleet had secured the range, the shells began crashing into the fort, 
bewildering the untried soldiers, and driving them from their guns. A 
shell falling in the fort, and bursting, would sweep clean a space thirty feet 
scpiare. It was madness to try to work the gims. All sought refuge in 
the bomb proofs, and an occasional shot was all that showed the presence 
of any defenders in the forts. Soon the Confederates decided to abandon 
Fort Clark, the smaller of the two, and mass their forces in I""ort Hatteras. 
As a ruse, to check the bombardment of the ships, the flags on both forts 
were hauled down. This was, of coLU'se, taken as a token of surrender; 
and as the cannonading sto])[K'd,,' and the clouds of gray gunpowder-smoke 
lifted, the shrouds of the bombarding squadron were filled with men, and 
cheer upon cheer rang out in honor of the victory. Soon the trf)ops 
occupied the deserted battery, and the " Monticello " was ordered into the 
inlet to take possession of Fort Hatteras. She had proceeded only a little 
way, however, when suddenly a heavy fire was opened upon her from the 
fort, and at the same time a large body of re-enforcements was seen 
approaching from the south. The gunners came down from the shrouds, 
stopped cheering, and began their work again. I'"or a time the " Monti- 
cello " w^as in a dangerous position. In ^ narrow and unknown channel, she 
was forced to retreat slowly, under heavy fire from the fort, being hit eight 
times. The heavy fire of the other vessels; however, soon drove the Con- 
federate gunners from their guns. The sailors worked untiringly, and 
seemed enraged -hy the deceit practised by the enemy. One mrui, while 



52 BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 



sponging out a gun, preparatory to reloading it, dropped liis sponge over- 
board. Quick as thouglit he vaulted the gunwale, and re-appeared on the 
surface of the water swimming for the sponge. Recovering it, he in a few 
moments crawled dripping through a porthole, to report respectfully to the 
captain of the gun : "Just come aboard, sir." 

The fort abandoned by the Confederates had been occupied by the 
troops that had been landed ; and, under cover of the furious bombardment, 
the work of landing was vigorously prosecuted. Night came, anil with it 
a gale so heavy that the vessels had to desert their stations, and withdraw 
into the offing. When the morning broke, however, the sea had calmed 
sufficiently to allow the gunners to again set about their terrible work. 

The second day's firing was even more accurate than that of the first ; 
and the gray-coats were soon compelled to retire to the bomb-proofs, and 
abandon all attempt to return the fire of the ships. Soon three shells in 
rapid succession burst close to the magazine of the fort, telling plainly 
to the affrighted defenders that nothing was left for them but surrender. 
A white flag was raised, and Commodore Barron went off to the fleet to 
formally surrender the forts and the eight hundred men of his command. 
When the terms were concluded, the defeated soldier turned to flag-officer 
Stringham, and asked if the loss of life on the ships had been very large. 
" Not a man has been injured," was the response. " Wonderful ! " exclaimed 
the questioner. " No one could have imagined that this position could 
have been captured without sacrificing thousands of men." But so it was. 
Without the loss of a man, had fallen a most important post, together with 
cannon, provisions, and nearly seven hundred men. 





CIIAI'TI'.R V. 



■Jill'; •■IKliNl" AI'IAIK. -(Jl'ICKAl ION'S IN A l.lll'.M ARM'. AND I'A.MI.ICt) SOUNDS. - UKSTKUCTION 

Ol'' ■line I ONM'.UKKAIK I'l.l'.i; 1. 






ARLY in the war an event occurred vviiic.h lor a lime seemed 
likely to briii^' I'jijfland to the aid of the C'oiifederates. The 
Confederate (iovernment had appointed as di|)lomatic Oomniis- 
sioners t(; lOn^iand two gentlemen, Messrs. Mason and Slideli. 
They had escaped from Mobile on a fleet blockade-runner, ruid reached 
Havana, where they remained a week waitiiij:^ for the reLjular JCnglish 
packet to convey them to Liverpool. While in Havana they were lavishly 
entertained by the c<;lony of Confederate sym])athizers there; and feelinj^- 
perfectly safe, now that they were outside the jurisdiction of the United 
States, they made no attemjot to conceal their offu i.il character, and boasted 
(;f the errand u|)on which they were sent. 

The United States fiigate ".San Jacinto," which was one of the many 
vessels kejit rushing alxjiit the high seas in search of the jjrivateer 
"Sumter," happened to l)e in the harbor of Havana at this time. She was 
commanded by Cajit. Wilkes, an officer who hatl made an exhaustive .study 
of international law, ijarticularly as bearing u]xjn the right of a war-vessel 
to search a vessel belonging to a neutral nation. Capt. Wilkes, knowing 
that l)y ca])turing the Confederate commissioners, he could win for himself 

53 



54 lil,UK-|ACKl';i"S OK Y>T. 



the applause of the entire Xnrth, delermined to make the attempt. By 
a stud)' ol his books bearing on international law, he manaj^ed to convince 
himself that he was justified in stoppiny; the liritish steamer, and taking 
from it by force the bodies of Messrs. Mason and Slidell. Accordingly he 
set sail from the harbor of Havana, and cruised up and down at a distance 
of more than a marine league from the coast, awaiting the appearance of the 
vessel. Five days after the "San Jacinto's " departure, the commissioners 
set sail in the ]5ritish mail-steamer "Trent." Slie was intercepted in the 
liahama Channel by the ".San Jacinto." When the man-of-war fired a 
blank cartridge as a signal to heave to, the commander of the "Trent" 
ran the British flag to the peak, and continued, feeling secure under the 
emblem ol neutrality. Then came a more peremptory summons in the 
shape of a solid shot across the bows ; and, as the incredulous cajitain of 
the "Trent" still continued his course, a si.\-inch shell was dropped within 
about one hundred feet of his vessel. Then he stopped. A boat put off 
from the "San Jacinto," and made for the "Trent." Up the side of the 
merchant-vessel clambered a spruce lieutenant, aiul demanded the immediate 
surreiulei- of the two commissioners. The captain protested, pointed to the 
flag with the cross of St. George waving above his head, and in\-oked the 
power of her Britannic majesty, — all to no avail. The two commissioners 
had retired to their cabins, and refused to come out without being compelled 
by actual force. The boat was sent back to the " San Jacinto," and soon 
returned with a file of marines, who were drawn up with their muskets on 
the deck of the "Trent." ICx'cry British ship which carries mails carries a 
regularly commissioned officer of the navy, who is responsible for them. 
This officer on the "Trent" was somewhat of a martinet, and his protests 
at this violation of the rights of a neutral vessel were very vigorous. 
When the first gun was fired, he rushed below, and soon re-appeared in all 
the resplendent glory of gold lace and brass buttons which go to make up 
a naval uniform. He danced about the deck in an ecstasy of rage, and 
made the most fearful threats of the wrath of the British people. The 
passengers too became e.xcitcd, and jn'otested loudly. Every thing pos- 
sible was dt)ne by the people of the "Trent" to put themselves on 



JiLLi;-j.\(:i<.i;Ts oi- v,,. 55 



rociiril as formally [jrotesting. Nevertheless, the coinmissioiiers were taken 
awa)', carried to New "V'ork, and from there sent into confinement at l-'ort 
Warren. 

When the news of this f^reat achievement became known, Wilkes was 
made the lion of the hour. Unthinking ])eo[)Ie met and jnissed resolutions 
of commendation. He was tendered banquets by cities. He was elected a 
member of learned societies in all parts of the country, and was i^enerally 
eulogized, liven the Secretary of the Navy, who should have reco;^nized 
the grave troubles likely to grow out of this violation of the principles of 
neutrality, wrote a letter to Capt. Wilkes, warmly indorsing his course, and 
only regretting that he had not cajitured the steamer as well as the two 
commissioners. 

But fortunately we had wiser heads in the other executive departments 
of the government. President Lincoln and Secretary Seward quickly dis- 
avowed the responsibility for Wilkes's action. Letters were written to the 
United States minister in I'jigland, Charles I'"rancis Adams, alluding to the 
proceeding as one for which Capt. Wilkes as an individual was alone respon- 
sible. And well it was that this attitude was taken : for hardly had the news 
reached England, when with one voice the people cried for war. Sympathiz- 
ing with the South as they undoubtedly did, it needed but this insult to the 
]5ritish flag to rouse the war sjiirit of the nation. Transports loaded with 
troops were immediately ordered to Canada; the reserves were called out; 
the ordnance factories were set running day and night ; while the ])ress of 
the nation, and the British minister at Washington, demanded the immediate 
release of the captives, and a full apology from the United States. 

The matter was conducted on tliis side with the utmost diplomacy. We 
were undoubtedly in the wrong, and the only thing was to come out with 
as little sacrifice of national dignity as possible. The long time necessary 
for letters to pass between this country and England was an important 
factor in calming the people. Minister Adams said, that, had the Atlantic 
cable then been in operation, nothing could have prevented a war. In the 
end the demands of Great Jiritain were acceded to, and the commissioners 
proceeded on their way. The last note of the diplomatic correspondence 



56 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

was a courteous letter ivom President Lincoln to the British minister, offer- 
ing to allow the British troops c// ro//h- for Canada to land at Portland, Me., 
and thus avoid the Ioul;' winter's march through New Brunswick. The 
peaceful settlement of the affair chagrined the Confederates not a little, as 
they had hoped to gain Great Britain as a powerful ally in their fight 
against the United States. 

Soon after the capture of the forts at Hatteras Inlet, the authorities 
of the Union 'ftgain turned their attention in that direction, with the result 
of sending the Burnside expedition to Albemarle Sound. 

The coast of North Carolina is honeycombed with rivers, inlets, and 
lagoons, which open into the two broad sounds knov.'ii as Pamlico and 
Albemarle, and which are jirotected from the tin-bulence of the Atlantic 
by the long ridge of sand which terminates at Cape Hatteras. Wliile the 
cajDture of the Hatteras forts had given the Union authorities control of 
Hatteras Inlet, the chief entrance to the sounds, yet the long, narrow island 
was broken by other lesser inlets of a size sufficient to permit the passage 
of light-draught steamers. The Confederates had ciuite a fleet of swift, 
light vessels of insignificant armament, often only a single gun, with which 
they occasionally made a descent upon some coaster or merchantman, 
running close inshore, and dragged her in as a prize. With these swift 
steamers, too, they effectually controlled all navigation of the sounds. But 
the greatest advantage that they derived from their control of the sounds 
was the \ast facilities given them for constructing, at their leisure, powerful 
iron-clads in some of the North Carolina ship-yards ; then sending them to 
reduce the Hatteras forts, and so out into the Atlantic to fight for the 
destruction of the blockade. All these conditions were clear to the authori- 
ties of the Union ; and therefore, in the early part of January, 1862, a joint 
military and naval expedition was fitted out for operation against the 
Confederate works and steamers in these inland waters. It was in the 
early days of the war ; and the flotilla was one of those heterogeneous 
collections of remodelled excursion-steamers, tugs, ferry-boats, and even 
canal-boats, which at that time was dignified with the title of "the ffeet." 
In fitting out this expedition two very conflicting requirements were fol- 



58 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



lowed. In the most favorable circumstances, the channel at Hatteras Inlet 
is seldom over seven and a half feet : consequently the vessels must be of 
light draught. But the Confederate steamers in the sounds carried heavy 
rifled cannon, and the armament of the forts on Roanoke Island was 
of the heaviest : therefore, the vessels must carry heavy guns to be able to 
cope with the enemy. This attempt to put a heavy armament on the gun- 
deck made the vessels roll so heavily as to be almost unseaworthy. 

In addition to the armed vessels belonging to the navy, a number of 
transports accompanied the expedition, bearing the army corps under the 
command of Gen. Burnside ; and the whole number of craft finally assem- 
bled for the subjugation of the North Carolina sounds was one hundred 
and twenty. This heterogeneous assemblage of vessels was sent on a 
voyage in *the dead of winter, down a dangerous coast, to one of the 
stormiest points known to the mariner. Hatteras was true to its reputa- 
tion ; and, when the squadron reached the inlet, a furious north-easter was 
blowing, sending the gray clouds scudding across the sky, and making the 
heavy rollers break on the beach and the bar in a way that foretold certain 
destruction, should any hardy pilot attempt to run his ship into the narrow 
and crooked inlet. Outside there was no safe anchorage, and the situa- 
tion of the entire squadron was most precarious. Several serious mishaps 
occurred before the vessels got into the small and altogether insufficient 
harbor between the seaward bar and the "bulkhead" or inner bar. The 
first vessel to come to grief was one of the canal-boats laden with hay, oats, 
and other stores. She was without any motive power, being towed by a 
steam-tug, and, getting into the trough of the sea, rolled and sheered so 
that she could not be towed. The heavy rolling started her seams, and it 
was soon evident that she was sinking. With the greatest caution a boat 
was lowered from one of the steamers, and put off to rescue the crew of 
the foundering craft. Laboriously the sailors worked their way through the 
tossing sea to the lee side of the " Grape-shot," and after much difficulty 
succeeded in taking off all on board, and the return trip was commenced. 
All went well until the boat came under the lee of the steamer, and the 
men were about to clamber up the sides. Suddenly an immense sea lifted 



s 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. ^B 59 



* 



the vessel high in the air ; and in an instant the boat was swamped, and the 
men were struggling in the icy water. All were ultimately sa\-ed, but it 
was with the greatest difficulty. The " Grape-shot," left to her fate, went 
ashore some fourteen miles above Hatteras. Her cargo served some practi- 
cal use, after all; for some horses from the wreck of the "Pocahontas" 
managed to reach the shore, and kept themselves alive by munching the 
water-soaked hay and oats. 

The "Pocahontas" was one of the steamers chartered by the war 
dei)artmcnt as a horse transport. Her actions during this gale furnish 
a fair illustration of the manner in which the Government was often 
deluded into purchasing" almost valueless ships. She started with the 
Burnside expedition from Hampton Roads, freighted with one hundred 
and thirteen horses. As soon as the gale off Hatteras came on, she began 
to show signs of unseaworthiness. First the boilers gave way, loosened 
from their places by the heavy rolling of the ship. All progress had to 
be stopped until they were patched up. Then down fell the grates, 
extinguishing the fires. Then the steering-gear was broken ; and, getting 
into the trough of the sea, she rolled until her smoke-stack broke its 
moorings and fell over. I-"inally she sprung a leak and was run ashore. 
The crew were all saved, but for a long time their chances for life seemed 
small indeed. Ninety of the horses were lost, some having been thrown 
overboard ten miles from the land. Others were left tied in their stalls, 
to perish when the ship went to pieces in the breakers. Those that were 
thrown overboard near the beach swam ashore through breakers in which 
no boat nor man could live, and, finding the waste and wreckage from the 
cargo of the " Grajoe-shot," lived for days on the hay and oats, soaked with 
sea-water though they were. 

For two days this gale continued. The out-look for the fleet seemed 
hopeless. The inner bar of the harbor was absolutely impassable, l^etween 
the outer bar and the inner were packed seventy vessels. This space, 
though called a harbor, was almost unsheltered. Crowded with vessels as 
it was, it made an anchorage only less dangerous than that outside. 
Although the vessels were anchored, bow and stern, the violence of the 



■% 



% 



6o ^^ RI.U?:-JACKK'rs OK '6i. 



sea was such tliat they frequently crashed into each other, breaking 
bulwarks, spars, and wheel-houses, and tearing away standing-rigging. A 
schooner breaking from its anchorage went tossing and twilling through 
the fleet, crashing into vessel after vessel, until finally, getting foul of a 
small steamer, dragged it from its moorings ; and the two began a w-altz 
in the crowded harbor, to the great detriment of the surrounding craft. 
At last the two runaways went aground on a shoal, and pounded away there 
until every seam was open, and the holds filled with water. 

A strange mishap was that which befell the gunboat " Zouave." She 
was riding safely at anchor, remote from other ships, taking the seas nobly, 
and apparently in no possible danger. Her crew occupied themselves in 
going to the assistance of those in the distressed vessels, feeling that their 
own was [icrfectly safe. But during the night, the tide being out, the 
vessel was driven against one of the flukes of her own anchor; and as each 
w^ave lifted her up and dropped her heavily on the sharp iron, a hole was 
stove in her bottom, sinking her so cjuickly that the crew took to the boats, 
saving nothing. 

But the most serious disaster was the total wreck of the "City of New 
York," a large transport, with a cargo of ordnance stoix-s valued at two 
hundred thousand dollars. Unable to enter the inlet, she tiaed to ride out 
the gale outside. The tremendous sea, and the wind blowing furiously on 
shore, caused her to drag her anchors ; and those on board saw certain death 
staring them in the face, as hour b\' hour the ship drifted nearer and 
nearer to the tumbling mass of mighlv breakers, that with an unceasing roar, 
and white foam gleaming like the teeth of an enraged lion, broke heavily 
on the sand. She struck on Monday afternoon, and soon swung around, 
broadside to the sea, so as to be heljiless and at the mercy of the breakers. 
Every wave broke over her decks. The condition of her crew was frightful. 
In the dead of winter, the wind keen as a razor, and the waves of icy 
coldness, the body soon loecame benumbed ; and it was with the greatest 
effort that the men could cling to the rigging. So great was the fury of 
the wind and waves, that no assistance coidd be given her. For a boat to 
venture into that seethinsf caldron of breakers would have been throwing 



/ 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. ^ 61 



away lives. So the crew of the doomed ship were left to save themselves as 
best they might. The night passed away, and Tuesday morning saw the 
gale still blowing with unabated force. Hoping to lessen the strain on 
the hull, they cut away the foremast. In falling, it tore away the pipes, 
and the vessel became a perfect wreck. Numbed with cold, and faint fur 
lack of food, the crew lashed themselves to the bulwarks and rigging; and 
so, drenched by the icy spray, and chilled through by the wintl, they spent 
another fearful night. The next day the fury of the storm seemed to have 
somewhat abated. The sea was still running high, and breaking over the 
almost unrecognizable hulk stranded on the beach. With the aid of a glass, 
sailors on the other ships could see the inanimate forms of the crew lashed 
to the rigging. It was determined to make a vigorous attempt to save 
them. The first boat sent out on the errand of mercy was watched eagerly 
from all the vessels. Now it would be seen raised high on the top of some 
tremendous wave, then, |ilunging into the trough, it would be lost from the 
view of the an.sious watchers. All went well until the boat reached the 
outermost line of the breakers, when suddenly a towering wave, rushing 
resistlessly along, broke directly o\'er the stern, swamping the boat, and 
drowning seven of the crew. Again the last hope seemed lost to the 
e.xhausted men on the wreck. But later in the day, the sea having gone 
down somewhat, a steam-tug succeeded in reaching the wreck and rescuing 
the crew. The second engineer was the last man to leave the ship. lie 
remained lashed to the mast until all were taken on the tug. Then, 
climbing to the top-mast, he cut down the flag that had waved during those 
two wild days and nights, and bore it safely away. 

After this gale died away, the work of getting the squadron over the 
inner bar was begun. It was a tremendous task. Many of the ships drew 
too much water for the shallow channel, and it was necessary to remove 
large parts of their cargoes. The bar, which is known as Buckhead Shoal, 
was an expanse of quicksand a mile wide, with a tortuous channel ever 
changing with the shifting sands. Many of the ships stranded, and the 
tugs were constantly Inisy in towing them off. Scarcely would one be 
safely afloat, than another would "bring up all standing" on some new 



\ 



62 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 

• : 

shoal. Two weeks elaiised before all the vessels were safe within the 
landlocked sound. They were none too soon ; for hardly had the last vessel 
crossed the bar, than the black gathering clouds, the murky, tossing sea, and 
the foaming billows breaking on the bar, foretold another of the storms for 
which Cape Hatteras is famed. Through the storm a queer-looking craft 
was seen approaching the fleet. It was found to be a boat-load of escap- 
ing slaves, who had put to sea at random, feeling sure of finding "de 
Yankees " somewhere. From these men much valuable information was 
obtained. 

Up to this time no one in the fleet, excepting the superior ofificcrs, 
was informed as to the e.\act destination of the expedition. Now as the 
signal to get under way blew out from the foremast of the flag-ship, and 
as the prow of the leading vessel was turned to the northward, all knew, 
and all cried, " Roanoke Island." This island was heavily fortified by the 
Confederates, and from its position was a point of considerable strategic 
importance. It guards the entrance to Pamlico Sound from Albemarle 
Sound, and into Pamlico Sound open great bays and rivers that penetrate 
far into the interior of Virginia and North Carolina. On this island the 
Confederates had erected three forts of formidable strength. These forts 
commanded the channel through which the vessels would have to pass ; and 
to make the task doubly dangerous, the channel was obstructed with 
sharpened piles and sunken hulks, so as to be apparently impassable. 
Beyond the obstructions was the Confederate fleet, which, though insignifi- , / 

cant compared with the attacking squadron, was formidable in connection 
with the forts. It was the task of the invaders to capture these forts, and 
destroy the fleet. % 

It was on Feb. 5 that the squadron prepared to leave its moorings at 
Hatteras Inlet. It was an imposing spectacle. The flag-ship " Philadel- 
phia" led the naval squadron, which advanced with the precision of a body 
of troops. Behind, with less regularity, came the army transports. About 
one hundred vessels were in the three columns that moved over the placid 
waters of the sound toward the forts. It was five in the afternoon of a 
short February day that the fleet came in sight of the forts. Signals were 




CONTRAEiAXDS ESCAI'ING 10 FLEEl . 



BLUE-JACKI-yrS OF '6 1. 65 



made for the squadron to fnrni in a circle about the flag-ship. The early 
darkness of winter had fallen upon the scene. The waters of the sound 
were smooth as a mill-pond. From the white cottages on the shore 
£;leamed lights, and brilliant signal-lanterns hung in the rigging of the 
ships. Through the fleet pulled swift gigs bearing the commanders of 
the different vessels. 

The morning dawned dark and rainy. At first it was thought that the 
fog and mist would prevent the bombardment, but all doubt was put at an 
end by the signal, " Prepare for action," from the flag-ship. The drums 
beat to quarters, and soon the guns were manned by sailors stripped to 
the waist. The magazines were opened ; and the surgeons cleared away 
the cock-pits, and spread out their glistening instruments ready for their 
work. 

The fleet got under way, and stood up the channel almost to the point 
where the obstructions were planted. Beyond these were the gunboats of 
the enemy. The cannonade was begun without loss of time. A portion 
of the fleet began a vigorous fire upon the Confederate gunboats, while the 
others attacked the forts. The gunboats were soon driven away, and then 
the forts received the entire fire. The water was calm, and the aim of the 
gunners was admirable. The forts could hardly respond to the fire, since 
the great shells, pilunging by hundreds into the trenches, drove the men 
from their guns into the bomb-proof casemates. The officers of the ships 
could watch with their glasses the effect of every shell, and by their 
directions the aim of the gunners was made nearly perfect. 

While the bombarding was going on. Gen. Burnside set about landing 
his troops near the southern end of the island. The first boat was fired 
upon by soldiers concealed in the woods. The "Delaware" instantly 
pitched a few shells into the woods from which the firing proceeded, and in 
a few minutes the enemy could be seen running out like rats from a burn- 
ing granary. The landing then went on unimpeded. The boats were 
unable to get up to the bank, owing to shoal water ; and the soldiers were 
obliged to wade ashore in the icy water, waist-deep, and sinking a foot more 
in the soft mud of the bottom. 



66 BLUE-JACKpyrS OF '6i. 

The bombardment was continued for some hours after nightfall. A 
night bombardment is a stirring scene. The jiassionate and spiteful glare 
of the cannon-flashes ; the unceasing roar of the explosions ; the demoniac 
shriek of the shells in the air, followed by their e.\i)losioii with a lightning 
flash, and crash like thunder ; the volumes of gray smoke rising upon the 
dark air, — make up a wonderful and memorable sight. 

In the morning the bombardment was recommenced, and the work of 
landing troops went on. lught gunboats were sent to tear away the 
obstructions in the channel ; and there beneath the guns of the enem\''s 
fleet, and the frowning cannon of the forts, the sailors worked with axe 
and ketch until the barricade was broken, and the eight ships passed to 
the sound abo\-e the forts. In the mean time, the troops on the island 
began the march against the forts. There were few paths, and they groped 
their way through woods and undergrowth, wading through morasses, and 
tearing their way through tangled thickets to get at the enemy's front. 
The advance was slow, but steady, until the open field before the forts was 
reached ; then a change was ordered, led by the famous Hawkins Zouaves, 
who rushed madly upon the fort, shouting their war cr_v of Zoii, c:ou, zoii! 
Like a resistless flood the attackers poured over, the earthworks, and the 
frightened defenders fled. Before five o'clock the entire island was in the 
hands of the troops, and the fleet had passed the barricade. During 
the bombardment the vessels sustained severe injuries. An act of heroism 
which made the hero celebrated was that of John Da\'is, gunner's mate on 
board the "Valley City." , A shell entered the magazine of that shiji, and 
exploded, setting the wood-work on fire. An open barrel of gunpowder 
stood in the midst of the flames, with sparks dropping about it. At any 
moment an explosion might occur which would shatter the vessel to 
fragments. Men shrank back, expecting every moment to be their last. 
With wonderful presence of mind Davis threw himself across the open end 
of the barrel, and with his body covered the dangerous explosive until the 
fire was put out. 

As soon as the stars and stripes were hoisted on the flagstaffs of the 
forts, the Confederate fleet, which had been mauitaining a desultory fire. 



RLl'K-I ACRirrs ()|- Y)!. 



fled up the sound, after setting fire to one schooner which had become liope- 
lessly crippled in the battle. She ])la/ed away l.ir i>n into the night, and 
finally, when the flames reached her magazine, blew up with a tremendous 
report, seeming like a final inxuhintary salute paid by Ihe delealed enem\' 
to the prowess of the Union arms. When fpiiet fnially settled down upon 
the scene, and Gen. Burnside and Cnniniander Goldsborough counted u]) 
tlieir gains, they tountl that six forts, twent)'-live hundred ])risoners, and 
forty-two great guns had fallen into the liands of the victors. Tiie Union 
loss was fi)rty killed and two hundred wounded. 

The next da\' was Sunday. It was considered highly important that the 
success of the day before should be vigorously followed up; and an exjjedi- 
tion of fourteen vessels, under Cajit. Rowan, was ordered to follow the 
retreating Confederate fleet and destroy it. The flying squadron was 
chased as far as Elizabeth City on the Pasc]uotauk River. Here night over- 
took the pursuers ; and they came to anchor at the mouth of the stream, 
effectually cutting off all hope of retreat. The Confederates in the vessels 
lying off the town passed an anxious night. Outnumbered two to one by 
the pursuing vessels, they saw no hope of a successful resistance. With a 
courage which in view of the facts seems to be almost foolhardy, they 
determined to stick to their ships, and fight to the death. The feelings of 
the inhabitants of the town were hardly less gloomy. So thoroughl)' 
impregnable had they considered the forts at Roanoke Island, that they 
had made absolutely no prei)arations for defence; and now they found their 
homes upon the eve of capture. The \-ictorious army had not }'et had an 
opportunity to show the merciful way in which the inhabitants' of captured 
cities were treated throughout the war ; and the good ].)eople of I^^lizabeth 
City may be excused for fearing, that, witli the destruction of their fleet, 
they were to be delivered into the merciless hands of a lawless enemy. 

Morning dawned bright and clear. With the greatest deliberation the 
preparations for action were made on the attacking vessels. It was 
discovered, that, owing to the continuous firing during the Roanoke Island 
engagement, but twenty rounds of ammunition j^er gun were left to each 
vessel. It was accordingly ortlered that no long-distance firing should be 



68 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



clone ; but each vessel should dash at the enemy, run him down if possible, 
and then board and fight it out, hand to hand. Early in the morning the 
fleet started up the river. The enemy's fleet was soon sighted, lying 
behind the guns of a small battery on Cobb's Point. When within long 
range, battery and vessels opened a tremendous fire with eighty-pound 
rifles. The approach of the squadron continued until when within three- 
quarters of a mile the signal was flung out from the mast of the flag- 
ship, "Dash at the enemy." Then full speed was put on, and firing- 
commenced from bow-guns. The Confederates became totally demoralized. 
The battery was abandoned when the first vessel poured her broadside 
into it as she passed. Before the enemy's fleet was reached, many of his 
vessels were fired and abandoned. The United States steamship " Perry " 
struck the " Sea-Bird " amidships, sinking her so quickly that the crew had 
scarce time to escape. The crew of the " Delaware " boarded the " Fanny," 
sabering and shooting her defenders until they fled over the side into the 
water. The victory was complete and overwhelming. Three or four of 
the victorious vessels at once proceeded to the town, where they found 
the enemy in full retreat and compelling the inhabitants to set fire to 
their houses. This was quickly stopped, and the invaders became the 
protectors of the conquered people. 

The power of the Confederates in this part of the country being so 
effectually destroyed, the navy was divided into small detachments and 
sent cruising up the lagoons and rivers opening into the North Carolina 
sounds, merely to show the people the power of the United States Govern- 
ment, and to urge them to cease their resistance to its authority. Three 
vessels were sent to Edenton. As they came abreast of the village, a 
company of mounted artillery precipitately fled. A detachment of marines 
sent ashore found a number of cannon which they destroyed, and a nearly 
completed schooner to which they set fire. Other small places were 
visited, generally without any opposition being encountered. 

A somewhat larger force was sent to a small town named Winton, as 
it had been rumored that a force of Union men were there disputing the 
authority of the Confederate Government, and the navy wished to go to 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 69 



their assistance. Tlie "Delaware" and "Hudson," in advance of the 
squadron, came within sight of the landing and warehouses of Winton 
about four in the afternoon. The town itself was hidden from the view 
of the vessels by a high bluff. It was a clear, quiet afternoon, and all 
seemed peaceful. The long wharf, running out into the stream, was 
deserted by all save a negro woman, who, roused from her occupation of 
fishing, gazed inquisitively at the strange vessels. The place looked like 
a commercial port going to seed on account of the blockade. The two 
vessels proceeded on their way unmolested, ranging past the wharf, and 
apprehending no danger Suddenly from the woods on the bluff a terrific 
fire was poured upon the vessels. The negress, having served her end as 
a decoy, fled hastily to shelter. The bluffs seemed to be held by two 
batteries of light artillery and a considerable force of armed men. Fortu- 
nately the aim of the artillery men was bad, and the vessels sustained no 
severe damage. Still, they were in a precarious position. The " Delaware " 
was too near to bring her battery to bear, and was obliged to turn slowly 
in the narrow channel. The " Perry," more fortunately situated, opened 
at once .on the enemy with shrapnel. But the contest was unequal, and 
the two vessels were forced to retreat down the river about seven miles, 
there to await the remainder of the squadron. 

Two days after, the flotilla began the advance ui? the river, shelling the 
town as they ascended. Once opposite the town, the troops were landed, 
and the Hawkins Zouaves soon had possession of the blulf and town. 
Knapsacks, ammunition, and muskets in considerable quantity fell into 
the hands of the victors ; and, after burning the barracks of the enemy, 
the squadron returned to the base of operations at Roanoke Island. 





CHAPTER VI. 



REDUCTION OF XEWBERN. — EXPLOITS OF I.IF.UT. CUSHINC — DESTRUCTION 
OF THE RAM "ALUEMARLE" 




FTER the destruction of the Confederate flotilla at Elizabeth 
City, and the affair at Winton, the Union fleet remained quietly 
at anchor off Roanoke Island, or made short excursions up the 
little rix'crs emptying into the sounds. Over a month passed in 
comparative inaction, as the ships were awaiting supplies and ]iarticularly 
ammunition. When finally the transports from New York arrived, and 
the magazines of the war-vessels were filled with shot and shell and gun- 
powder, they again turned their attention to the enemy. The victories 
already won had almost driven the Confederates from that part of North 
Carolina which borders on the sounds. Roanoke Island, Elizabeth City, 
Edenton, and Plymouth had one after the other yielded to the persuasive 
eloquence of the ship's cannon, and there was left to the Confederates only 
one fort, — Newbern, on the River Neuse. As a city Newbern is insignifi- 
cant ; but as a military post it was of a good deal of importance, and the 
Confederates had made active preparations for its defence. 

It was on the I2th of March, 1862, that Commander Rowan started 
from Hatteras Inlet with a flotilla of thirteen vessels, and army transports 
bearing three thousand men. The long column steamed down the placid 
70 



HI.UK-IACKi:rs ()!■• '6 1 



waters of Pamlico Sound, and, turning into the Nensc Ri\-er, anchored 
about fifteen miles below the cit\-. Although the night belore the battle, 
and within sight of tlie white steeples of tlie menaceil city, all was c|uict 
and peaceful. The banks of the broad sti'eam were densely woodeil, and 
from them could be heard at times the cry of the whip-poor-will, or the 
hoot of the night-owl. The vessels were ancliored far out in the middle 
of the stream, so as to avoitl the deadly bullets of any lurking shari^-shooters. 
The look-outs kept a close watch for floating torpedoes; while the sailors 
off duty spun their yarns in the forecastle, and bet pipes and tobacco on 
the result of the coming battle. The jolly tars of the Hurnside expedition 
had hardly }'et learned that war was a serious matter. They had met with 
but little serious resistance, had captured powerful forts without losing 
a man, had chased and destroyed the Confederate fleet without any serious 
damage to their own, and felt, accordingly, that war was a game in which 
it was their part always to win, and the part of the enemy to run away. 
Certainly the fight at Newborn tlid nothing to dispel this idea. 

When morning broke, the shrill piping of the boatswain's whistle 
brought the crew to their places on deck. Breakfast was served, and 
leisurely eaten ; f(jr it is one of the established theories of the navy, that 
sailors can't fight on empty stomachs. Breakfast over, the work of landing 
the troops was begun. The point chosen was a broad beach fringed with 
woods near the anchorage of the vessels. Before landing the troops, the 
ships threw a few shells into the woods, to make certain that they con- 
cealed no ambuscade, as in the disastrous affair at Matthias Point. After 
two dozen shells had burst, mowing down ti'ees, and dri\-ing out frightened 
animals in plenty, but no sharp-shooters, the long boats put otf from the 
transports bearing the soldiers for the land attack. As soon as six or se\-en 
hundred were landed, thev formed in column, and moved rapidly up the 
beach. The others followed as r.ipidly as they could be put on shore. 
The gunboats steamed slowly up the river, keeping abreast of the troops, 
and throwing shells into the woods ahead of the attacking column. Had 
any Confederates prepared to resist the march, they must have been driven 
out of the forest before the Federals came within musket-range. Not an 



72 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



atom of resistance was made. The plans of the invaders seemed irresisti- 
ble. About half-past four in the afternoon, a puff of smoke rose from the 
river-bank far ahead of the leading vessel, and in a few seconds a heavy 
shell plunged into the water a hundred yards ahead of the flotilla. The 
enemy was getting awake to the situation. The gunboats soon returned 
the fire, and the cannonading was continued at long range, without damage 
to either side, until sundown, when the troops went into camp, and the 
vessels chose an anchorage near by. 

At daylight the ne.xt morning, the advance was resumed. The day was 
so foggy that the usual signals between the vessels could not be seen, and 
orders from the flag-ship had to be carried by boat. The fleet proceeded up 
the river; and, when the fog lifted, the ramparts of Fort Di.xie — the one 
that had fired on them the night before — were visible. A vigorous bom- 
bardment was at once begun ; but the fort failed to reply, and a storm ing- 
party sent ashore found it empty. Hoisting the stars and stripes above 
the deserted bastions, the ships went on. Soon they reached Fort Ellis. 
Here the firing was sharp on both sides. The fort was a powerful earth- 
work, well armed with rifles ranging from thirty-two to eighty pounders. 
The Confederates did but little damage with their guns ; their aim being- 
bad for want of practice, and their powder of poor quality. Still, they 
fought on with great courage until a shell from the "Delaware" burst in 
the magazine, firing the powder there, and hurling the fort, with large 
numbers of its brave defenders, high in the air. This ended the fight with 
Fort Ellis, and the fleet continued its way up the river. 

Shortly after passing Fort Ellis, two rows of obstructions were met in 
the channel. The lower barrier was composed of a series of piles driven 
into the river-bottom, and cut off below the water ; back of these came a 
row of pointed and iron tipped piles pointing down stream at such an 
angle as to be likely to pierce the hull of any vessel that should run upon 
them. Entwined about these piles was a cable connecting with thirty 
powerful torpedoes. That any vessel could pierce such a barrier seems 
almost incredible ; yet all the vessels of the flotilla passed, and but two 
were seriously injured. One of the sharp iron piles drove through the 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



7o 



bottom of the " Barney," sending the crew to the pumps, and the carpenter 
down into the hold with his felt-covered plugs. But her damages were 
quickly repaired, antl she went on with the rest of the fleet. Right under 
the guns of F"ort Thompson the second line of obstructions was encoun- 
tered. It consisted of a line of sunken vessels closely massed, and a 
citcval-dc-frisc of stakes and logs, that blocked the entire river, save a 
small passage close in shore under the guns of the battery. Here was 
more hard work for the sailors ; but they managed to creep through, and 
ranging up in line, broad- 
side to Fort Thompson, 
the}' opened a vigorous 
cannonade upon that 
work. The condition of 
the garrison of the fort 
w a s desperate. The 
troops that had marched 
up the beach abreast of 
tlie vessels began a vig- 
orous attack on the land- 
ward face of the fort, 
while the vessels in the 
river kej3t up a vigorous 
fire on the water-front. 



i 




FLAG OF .SOUTH CAROLIX.\, 



Soon the gunners of the fort were called away from the river-front to meet 
the hot assault of the soldiers on the land ; and, as the conflict grew close, 
the ships ceased firing, lest their shell should mow down foe and friend alike. 
Leaving the enemy to the attention of the soldiery, the ships proceeded 
up the river past two deserted forts that gave no answer to vigorous 
shelling. Just as the last vessel was passing Fort Thompson, the attacking 
troops, with a cheer, rushed upon the ramparts ; and in a minute the stars 
and stripes were fluttering from the flagstaff. This was the last resistance 
encountered, and at two p.m. the victors were in full possession of the cit)-. 
The war-ships sped uji the river after three Confederate steamers that were 



74 ELUK-JACKi:i\S OF '6i. 



endeavoring to escape, and soon captured them. One was run ashore and 
burned, while the other two were added to the conquering fleet. As a last 
resort, the flying enemy sent down a huge fire-raft, in the hope of burning 
some of the Union vessels; but this was stopped by the piers of a railroad 
bridge, and, burning that, effectuall)' cut oH Newbern's communication with 
the world. During the entire two days' engagement, the navy did not lose 
a man on the ships. Two of a small landing-party were killed, and eleven 
wounded ; while of the soldiers there were killed eighty-eight, and wounded 
three hundred and fifty-two. This \'ictory gave to the United States 
the entire control of the North Carolina sounds and tributary navigable 
waters. 

For years after this, the sounds were occupied by a small squadron of the 
United States navy, mainly blockading cruisers. It was during these three 
years of occupation that Lieut. \V. B. Gushing performed those wonderfully 
daring deeds that made him a name and fame apart from all other war- 
records. These feats so particularly belong to Cushing's record, rather than 
to the history of any years of the war, that they may well be considered 
together here. The three wonderful exhibitions of daring by which this 
vouno; officer earned his promotion to the rank of a commander, while still 
hardly more than a boy, were the ascent of New River Inlet in the steamer 
"Ellis," for the purpose of destroying the enemy's salt-works, and a 
blockade-runner at New Topsail Inlet ; and finally, the great achievement 
of his life, the destruction of the ram ".Albemarle" in the Roanoke River. 

Lieut. Gushing entered the navy during the first year of the civil war, 
being himself at that time but nineteen years old. A comrade who served 
with him at the time of the destruction of the " Albemarle " describes him 
as about six feet high, very slender, with a smooth face, and dark wavy 
hair. Immediately upon his joinijig the navy, he was assigned to duty 
with the blockading squadron on the Atlantic coast. He distinguished 
himself during the first year of the war, at a time when the opportunities of 
the service were not very brilliant, by unfailing vigilance, and soon won for 
himself the honor of a command. In November, 1862, he was put in 
command of the steamer " Ellis," and ordered to preserve the blockade 

• 
1 



ULUl'l-jACRiri'S Ol'- '6[. 75 



of New River Inlet on the North Carolina eoast, not far fmni the favorite 
port of the blockade-runners, Wilmington. The duties of a blockading 
man-of-war are monotonous, at best. Lying at anchdr off the mouth of 
the blockaded harbor, or steaming slow])' up and down for days together, 
the crew grow discontented ; and the officers are at their wits' eiul to tlevise 
constant occupation to dispel the turbulence which idleness always arouses 
among sailors. Inaction is the great enemy of discipline on board shij), 
and it is for this reason that the metal and trimmings aboard a man-of-war 
are so continually being polished. A big brass pivot-gun amidships will 
kccyt three or four jackies polishing an hour or two e\'ery day ; and petty 
officers have been known to go around secretly, and deface some of the 
snowy wood-work or gleaming brass, when it seemed that surfaces to be 
polished were becoming exhausted. It is no unusual thing to set a gang 
of sailors to work rubbing away with [jolish on the flid<es of the great 
anchors, merely to give them work. Iitit while this sort of occupation may 
drive dull care away from the heait of Jack, his officers ;ire not so easily 
entertained ; and the dull routine of blockading duty at an unfrequented port 
is most wearisome to adventm'ous spirits. Particularly was this the case 
with Lieut. Gushing, and he was constantly upon the look-out for some 
lierilous ad\enture. One day late in Noveml)er, inlnrmatinn was brought to 
him that the enemy had established large salt-works at Jacksonville, thirty- 
ft\e miles up the river. Even thus early in the war, the vigorous blockade 
was beginning to tell upon the supplies of the Confederates ; and one of 
the articles of which the .Southern armies were in the greatest ueeil was 
salt. The distress caused by the lack of it was gicat. .Many of the 
soldiers were in the habit of s])rinkling gunpowder upon their fond to .give 
it a flavor apiiroaching that of salt. In olden days, particularly in the 
British navy about the end of the eighteenth century, it was the custom 
tor the captains to issue to their crews, before going into liatlle, largo cups 
of grog with gunpowder stirred in. It was beliexed that this mixture made 
the men fight more desperately. Hut this theory nf the doughty sea-dogs 
of past generations no longer finds anv support, and doidjtless the soldiers 
of the Confederacy felt they could fight better upon salt than on their 



70 BLUE-JACKKIS OF '6i. 



enforced seasoning of gunpowder. At Manassas Junction, when the Con- 
federate army by a rapid movement captured a large provision train, the 
rush of the soldiers for two or three cars laden with salt was so great that 
a strong guard had to be stationed to beat back pilferers, and secure a 
proper division of the much-prized seasoning. 

The officers of the Union navy were well informed of this scarcity of 
salt throughout the South, and accordingly made it a point to destroy 
all salt-works along the coast. The officers of the Gulf squadron were 
constantly employed in raiding establishments of this charactei-, of which 
there were numbers along the coast of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. 
Gushing, on hearuig of the existence of salt-works in the district over 
which he stood guard, determined to destroy them. But to do this was 
a matter of no small peril. Jacksonville was thirty-five miles up a small 
stream, in the heart of a country teeming with Confederate troops and 
their guerilla sympathizers. The densely wooded shores could conceal 
sharp-shooters, who could easily pick off every man stationed on the 
steamer's deck. At any point of the entire distance a masked battery 
might be stationed, that could blow the invading craft out of water, and 
leave none of her crew uncaptured to tell the tale. Nevertheless, the 
intrepid young commander determined to make the attempt. His vessel 
was a small steamer, mounting one heavy gun amidships and two smaller 
cannon on each side. Without any mishap the "Ellis" and her crew 
reached the town about noon. ■ On the way up the river a dense column 
of black smoke appeared ahead, rising above the forest. All thought that 
the Confederates, hearing of their approach, had evacuated the town, firing- 
it as they retreated. All possible steam was put on, and the little gunboat 
dashed up the river in the hope of saving some of the property of the 
inhabitants. But, on rounding an abrupt curve in the river, the mystery 
was solved by the apjiearance of a fine schooner, loaded with cotton and 
turpentine, and drifting helplessly, a mass of crackling flames, down the 
stream. She was clearly a blockade-runner, freighted with the chief 
products of the country, and had been waiting a chance to slip out pas[ 
the blockader, and run for some friendly port. Cushing's bold move uj) 



]5LL"K-JACKt:i'S CF '6i. ■]■] 



the river had entrapped her neatly, and her owners had fired her and fled. 
The fire was a magnificent sight. The inflammable cargo, the tarry ro])es 
and cordage, fed the flames, which leaped from hull to main-truck. The 
coUon bunictl sullenly, giving forth immense clouds of tlense, black smi^ke. 
To save her was hopeless, anil the "liliis" kept out of the way of the 
flying fire-brands and continued on. The e.xpcctctl salt-works were not 
found, however ; antl the only trophies to be obtained at the town were 
about twent\-five stand of arms and two schooners, evidently blockade- 
runners. The jiost-office was also visited, and a large mail captured and 
remoxed, in the hope of finding therein some valuable information regarding 
the movements of the enemy. The town itself was one of the sleepy 
little .Southern villages, with wide streets, grass-grown and lined with 
live-oaks. Children, and boys too young to have been drafted into the 
Southern armv, followed the sailors and marines curiously as they strolled 
up and down the silent streets. The war had robbed the little city of its 
men ; the blockade had robbed it of its little coasting-trade. Such an 
air of quiet and desolation hung about the place, that the inhabitants 
])robably welcomed the advent of even the hostile sailors as being some- 
thing to break the monoton\-. After a stoppage of an hour and a half, 
the "lillis" started down the ri\'er. The tpiict of the U])ward voyage had 
dispelled any thoughts of danger, but about five o'clock suspicions were 
re-awakened by the sight of a small encampment on the bank. A few 
shells thrown over the tents quickl)- sent campers scurrying into the 
woods; and, as the camps seemed to have no artiller\', the "Ellis" continued 
without further hostilities. A short distance down the stream the Con- 
federates opened upon them with two guns mounted on a lofty bluff. 
Gushing, ever read)- for a skiiinish, stopped his engine, and cleared away 
the big pivot-gun for action. The battle-flag was hoisted at the fore, and 
the crew, with three cheers, set about the work. About an hour of artillery 
practice followed, when, the enemy being driven from his guns, the "Ellis" 
proceeded on her way. It was now growing dark, and the tide was rajjidh' 
falling. The two ])ilots on the steamer agreed that daylight and high tide 
were necessary to get the \-essel safely out of the river. With great 



78 r.LUi:-jAcis.i;rs of Ym. 



reluctance CushiiiLi; ordered the anchor to be let fall, and proceeded to 
make preparations for the night. On both banks of the river could be seen 
the flash of lanterns, proving that the Confederates were aware of the 
steamer's ]3resence, and were contemplating an attack. To resist such 
an attack if made in force during the night, seemed almost hopeless ; yet 
the sailors went cheerfully about the work of preparation, getting out 
cutlasses and revolvers, and putting up the boarding-nettings o\'er the 
sides. In watchful an.xiety the hours wore away. No sound escaped 
the vigilant ear of the men (jn duty. Hut the enemy evidently had 
abandoned the attack, and when morning broke none were to be seen. 
With light hearts, and feeling that the worst was past, the little party 
continued their way, only to find that the worst was yet to come. .Soon 
after daylight, the pilot, mistaking the channel, ran the sliip so solidlv 
aground that there was clearly no hope of extricating her. All this time 
she had been towing one of the captured schooners ; and Gushing, with 
c[uick decisiveness, ordered that ever_v thing should be removed from the 
"Ellis" to the schooner. This was quickly done, leaving nothing Init 
the great pivot-gun aboard. 

But even when so greatly lightened, the shi]) would not fltjat, ami 
Gushing saw that all was lost. As a final e.\i)edient he sent a boat's 
crew back after the cannon that the enem\- had abandoned the da_\- before, 
intending to construct a land-battery with them, and so keep his ship. Hut 
the Confederates had already removed the guns, so this forlorn hoix- failed. 
Orders were then given for the crew to take the schooner, ami tlrop 'down 
the river for a mile or two. The young captain expressed his intention of 
remaining aboard his craft, and asked for six volunteers to help him fight 
the pivot-gun. Thev were quickly found ; and, while the remainder of the 
crew dropped down the river in the schooner, the devoted little band calmly 
awaited the beginning of the attack. They did not have long to wait. 
Soon a cannon boomed from the bank, and a hea\'\- shell whizzed over their 
heads. Then another, from another direction, and a third, and a fourth, 
each from a distinct battery. They were hopeless odds, yet Gushing and 
his command fought on until the gunners, getting the range, dropped shot 



r.i.i'i'.-jACKins OF '6i. 79 



after shot into the doomed \-essel. Then tire broke out in three or four 
plaees. This was too nnuh ; and the seven darin_:^' men took to a small boat, 
and rowed to the sehoonei'. I-'irst, howcxer, the\' loaded the long gun, and 
turnetl it on the enemy, in order, as Cushing said, "that she might fight for 
herself when we eoukl do so no longer." Onee in the schooner, thev 
sailed rapidly down the ri\'er; and just as the\' reached the sound a deep 
boom announced that the fire had reached the magazine, and the " I-^llis " 
was blown into a million pieces. IJaring as this aiKenlure was, Gushing 
was much distressed at its termination ; and in his official report he asks 
for a general court of in(|uir_\-, tn determine whether he had properly upheld 
the honor of the nation's flag. 

Another tlaring expedition was undertaken by Gushing when in com- 
mand of the " Monticello." This was in I-Y-bruarv, 1X64. He was cruising 
off Gape Fear River. At Smithville, a small town some distance up the 
river, w.is a Gonfederate army-post. Cushing's plan was to proceed up 
the ri\'er in row-boats, burn any vessels that might be at the dock, capture 
the commanding officers, and escape before the enemy could recover 
from the surprise. It was a rash and rather useless expedition, hut 
Gushing successfully carried it out. W'ith two boats ami twenty men, he 
went cpiietly past the guns of the fort, concealed by the blackness of a 
cloudy night, ascended the ri\er to the town, aiul laiuled dii'cctly in tront 
of the hotel. A high bank concealed the party from view, and lying in 
ambush here they managed to capture some negroes, from whom the 
desired information was obtained. Then with two officers and a seaman. 
Gushing walked from the deck to Gen. Herbert's headquarters in so open 
a manner as to disarm suspicion. Entering the house they met an 
engineer officer, who tried to raise an alarm, but was c[uickl)- captured and 
gagged. The ailjutant-general, never dreaming that any enem\' could be so 
near him, supijosed it was a niiitin)-, and fled hastily, half dressed, to the 
woods, not even calling out the garrison. G'lishing then with his s|)eechless 
prisoner walked calmly back before the long barracks that sheltered a 
thousand hostile soldiers, and within a few yartls of the sentry on the 
wharf. ()nlv when the affriglited adjutant-general returned from his hasty 



"^ 



8o BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

trip to the woods did the Confederates know that an enemy had been in 
their midst. Then there was great excitement, arresting of sentries, calling 
out of guards, and signalling to the fort that hostile boats were in the 
harbor. But all too late. Cushing's coolness, courage, dash, and invincible 
luck had carried him scot free through another dare-devil adventure. 

From the " Monticello " Cashing made yet another dangerous excursion 
into the enemy's country. On this occasion he had a more adequate 
purpose for his perilous errand. It was believed that the Confederate ram 
"Raleigh" was in the Cape Fear River above the town of Smithville, 
the scene of the last adventure. Cushing obtained permission from his 
superior officer to ascend the river, and try to blow up the ram with a 
torpedo. On the night of the 23d of June he started, taking with him 
Jones and Howarth, the officers who had been with him in the previous trip, 
and fifteen men. The night was pitchy dark, and all went well as they 
passed the fort and the little town of Smithville. Fifteen miles from the 
river's mouth, they saw the moon suddenly break through the clouds ; and 
tiie surface of the river quickly became bright, revealing to the sentries on 
shore the Yankee boat fifteen miles within Confederate territory. Ouickly 
the boats turned about, and headed down the river ; but this was a mere 
feint, as Cushing doubled as soon as he reached the shadow of the opposite 
bank, and continued his course into the hostile territory. Toward morning, 
when within about seven miles of Wilmington, a very stronghold of the 
Confederates, he landed, and hid his boat in a neighboring swamp. The 
men lay in hiding all dav ; and, just as they were about to start out again, 
they captured two boats with a Wilmington fishing-party. During the 
second night Cushing crept cautiously up to w'ithin three miles of Wilming- 
ton, closely examining the defences of the town and the obstructions in 
the river. At daybreak he rowed up one of the creeks until he found the 
road between Fort Fisher and Wilmington. Here he crouched Ijy a hedge 
until a mounted mail-carrier came by from the fort. The soldier was 
captured and dismounted, vastly astonished at the sight uf a blue-jacket in 
that region. Presently, along came the carrier from the town, on the way 
to the fort, fie too was astonished at the sight, but flung back a scornful 



BLUK-JACKETS OF '6i. 8 1 



answer to the demand that he surrender, and galloped hastily away. In an 
instant Gushing was on the back of the captured horse, and alter him ; 
but the fugiti\e was too well mounted, and csca[>ed. Matters were now 
becoming very serious. The runaway would doubtless give the alarm 
everywhere. Immediate flight was imperative. The men had been away 
lV(!m the boat for some hours, and were famished. Footl must be had. But 
how to get it .' Cushing's solution ol the problem was characteristic, 
llaxing captiu'cd some other prisoners, he learned that a store was to be 
found about two miles off. A prisoner about Howarth's size was ordered 
to strip, and Howarth put on his clothing. The change irom the trim blue 
uniform of a Yankee naval officer to the slouchy jeans jumper aiul overalls 
of a North Carolina "cracker" was somewhat amusing, but the disguise 
was complete. Mounting the cajitured horse, Mowarth rode off in the 
character of a "poor-white" farmer come in to do his marketing. He 
chatted freel_\' with the people he met along the road, and securing his 
provision, returned to the boat without arousing the least suspicion. 
Snugly ensconced in the thick bushes, the party then proceeded to sup, and 
after the meal amused themselves in cutting telegraph-wires, and at dark 
returned to the boat. This was the third night in the river, and Cushing 
[jrejiared to return. lunbarking with his prisoners, he pulled up to the 
" Raleigh," and foiuid that she woidd not need his attentions, as she was 
already a total wreck. Then he began the descent of the ri\er. When a 
little wa)- down the ])risoners were set atlrilt, with neither sails nor oars in 
order that the\' .might not report the occurrence too soon. The blue- 
jackets continued tlieir pull down the ri\er. Just as thes' reached the 
mnuth the monn shone out, and a tpiick hail came from a guard-boat. 
Cushing made no answer, but in a low voice urged his men on, intending 
to attack the enemv. But in an instant more three boats came out of the 
shadow, and at the same instant live apjieared on the other sitle. One 
opening seemed left for the beleaguereil boat to dash through. At it they 
Went, but a schooner hlletl with troops suddenly ajjpeared blockatling this 
last e.xit. It looked as though all was up, and those in the boat saw- betore 
them the clieerful prospect of execution as spies. But Cushing's pluck and 



^2 RI.UK-IACKI-ri'S OF '6i. 



self-possession, which had never yet failed, still stood bv him. He 
resorted to strategy, and, like the hunted fox, threw his pursuers off the 
track by doubling. Me made a dash so rapid and determined towards the 
western bar, that all the boats of the enemy rushed to block that point. 
For an instant his own was in the shadow of a cloud. In that instant 
he had turned, and headed at full speed for New Inlet. His men were as 
cool as he. With a few vigorous pulls the boat shot out into the breakers 
where the enemy dared not follow it, and soon after the cutter was hoisted 
to the da\'its of the " iMonticello," uninjured, after a stay of three nights 
in the heart of the enemy's country. 

It was near the end of the great war that Gushing performed the 
greatest feat of daring of his adventurous career ; and, as on the previous 
occasions, the scene of the exploit was in the waters tributary to the North 
Carolina sounds. Early in the, spring of 1863 it became evident to the 
officers of the Union squadron in the sounds, that the Confederates were 
making arrangements t(j drive the Yankee ships from those waters, and 
to re-open the coasting-trade to the people of North Carolina. The chief 
source of alarm to the fleet was a heavy iron-clad which was reported to 
be building on the Roanoke River above Pl\niouth. h'ull descriptions 
of this N'essel were in the hands L>f the Union officers; and tlicy saw clearh' 
that, should she be completed, no vessel of the sound squadron, nor jierhaps 
the entire squadi-on, would be able to do battle against her successfully. 
The river was loo shallow for the war-\-essels to go up to the point where 
the ram was being built, and the channel at Hattcras Inlet was not dee]) 
enough for iron-clads to be brought in to compete with the eneniv when 
finished. The na\'al authorities repeatedly urged the arniv to send an 
expedition to burn the boat; but Major-Gen. Foster, in command of the 
department of North Carolina, declared it was of no importance, as the 
Confederates would never put it to any use. Time showed a \'er\- differenl 
state of affairs. In April, 1S64, the ram was completed, and named the 
"Albemarle." Her first work was to co-operate with ten thousand Con- 
federate troops in the re-capture of Plymouth, which was accomplishetl 
with very little difficulty. Lieut. Flusser was at Plymouth with four small 



KLl'M-jAtKI'lS OK Y>i. 



gunboats, and remained bravely at his ]io.st as he saw tlic powerful ram 
bearing clown upon him. It was half-past three in the morning, and the 
cliill, gra_\- dawn was just bieaking over the earth. Alxne tlie river hung 
a mist, through whieh the great bod)' of the ram eould he seen coming 
doggedly down to the conflict. The "Miami " and " Soulhfield " were 
lashed together ; and, at the order ol Commander hdusser, the\' started to 
meet the iron-clad, firing qiiickl}' and with gooil aim. The " Albetiiarle " 
came on silently, distlaining to fire a gun. With a ciash she stiuek the 
" Miami " a glancing blow on the poitdoow, gouging off two great [blanks. 
Sliding past the wounded craft, she plunged intd the " Southfield, ' ciushing 
completely through her side, so that she began to settle at once. The 
lashings between the gunboats ])arted, and the " Southfield " sank rapidly, 
cari'ving pait of her crew with her. As the "Albemarle" crashed into 
the two vessels, she firetl her bow-gun several times, killing and wounding 
many of the Union sailors and Lieut. I'dusser. When she turned and 
made a second dash for the "Miami," the latter fied down the stream, 
knowing that to dare the ])ower df the enemy was meie madness. The 
" Albemarle " steamed back to Plymouth, and by her aid the town was 
easily re-captured by the Confederates. 

The squadron in the sounds was now in a state of the greatest an.xiet)'. 
At anv moment the impregnable monster might descend the i"i\'er .nid 
destro\- the frail wooden gunboats at her leisure. Preparations were 
made for a desperate battle when the time should come. Captains were 
instructed to biang their shijis to close quarters with the enemy ; to 
endeavor to throw powder or shells down her sira)ke-stack. Ex'ery possible 
means by which a wooden steamer might cope with an iron-clad was 
provided. 

On the 5th (if May the ram put in an appeai'ance, steaming down 
the river. Deliberately she approached within eas\- range, then let ll\' 
a shot at the " Mattabesett " which knocked her launch to pieces and 
wounded several men. The " I\Iattabesett " ran up to within one huntireil 
and fiftv N'ards of the "Albemarle," and gave her a broadside of solid shut 
from nine-inch Dahlgrens anil one luuKlreil-pouiuler rifles. When these 



84 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i 



shot struck a sloping place on the ram's armor, they glanced off. Those 
that struck full on the plating simply crumbled to pieces, leaving no dent 
to tell of the blow. One beautifully aimed shot struck the muzzle of one 
of the cannon on the ram and broke it. The gun was used throughout 
the fight, however, as the "Albemarle" carried but two and could not 
spare one of them. The " Sassacus " followed in line of battle. She 
delivered her broadside in passing. The ram rushed madly at her, but 
was evaded by good steering. Then the "Sassacus" in turn rushed at 
the ram at full speed, thinking to run her down. She struck amidships 
at right angles, and with the crash of the collision came a hundred-pound 
shot from the ram, that passed through the wooden ship from end to 
end. Still the engines of the "Sassacus" were kept going, in the hope 
of pushing the "Albemarle" beneath the water. The iron-clad careened 
slowly, the water washed over her after-deck ; the crew of the " Sassacus," 
far out on the bow, tried vainly to drop shells and packages of ])owtler 
down the ram's smoking chimneys. It was a moment of intense excite- 
ment. But the ram was too much for her assailant. Recovering from 
the shock of the collision, she slowly swung around until her bow-gun 
could be brought to bear on her tormentor, when she let flv a pmulerous 
bolt. It crashed through the side oi the steamer and plunged into her 
boiler. In 'an instant hot, scalding steam filled the engine-room and 
spread over the whole ship. Cries of agony arose on every side. Twenty- 
one of the crew were terribly scalded. Nothing remained but retreat ; and 
the "Sassacus" steamed away from her enemy, after making one of the 
bravest fights in naval history. In the mean time the other gunboats 
were pounding away at the ram. The "Miami" was trying in \ain to 
get an opportunity to discharge a large torpedo. Two other vessels were 
spreading nets about the great ship, trying to foul the propeller. The 
action continued until dark, when the ram withdrew, uninjured and without 
losing a man. She had fought alone for three hours against six shius, 
and had seriously damaged every one of her adversaries. It must also 
be remembered that she carried but two guns. 

The "Albemarle" lay for a long time idle at her moorings in Roanoke 



RLUK-JAC'KKTS OF '61. 85 



River, feeling sure that at her own pleasure she could go into the sounds, 
and complete the destruction of the fleet. Lieut. Gushing-, then twenty-one 
years old, begged permission io attempt to destroy her. The authority was 
gladly granted by the navy department, and Gushing began making his 
plans for the adventure. His first plan was to take a squad of men, with 
two steam-launches, up the Roanoke, and blow the ram up by means of a 
torpedo. The launches were sent from New York, but one was swamped 
while crossing Delaware Bay. 

Gushing, however, was not the man to be balked by an accident : so, 
cutting down his force one-half, he prepared for the start. Thirteen officers 
and men made up the little party which seemed bound to certain death. 
The spirit which animated the blue-jackets during the war may be imagined 
from the fact that many sailors tried to purchase the [irivilege of going on 
this perilous expedition, by offering their month's i)ay to those who had 
been selected. To understand what a forlorn hope the little boat-load of 
men were cherishing, we must understand what were the defences of the 
"Albemarle." She lay at a broad wharf, on which was encamped a large 
guard of soldiers as well as her crew. Above and below her, great fires 
were kept burning on the shores, to pre\"ent any boat approaching unseen. 
She was surrounded by a boom, or "water-fence," of floating logs, al)out 
thirty feet from her hull, to keep off any torpedo-boats. From the mouth 
of the Roanoke to her moorings was about eight miles ; the shores being 
lined on either side by pickets, and a large picket-station being established 
in mid-stream about one mile below Plymouth. 

To attempt to penetrate this network of defences seemed to be fool- 
hardy. Yet Gushing's record for dash and courage, and his enthusiasm, 
inspired his comrades with confidence; and they set out feeling certain of 
success. G)n the night of the 27th of October, the daring band, in their 
pygmy steamer, steamed rapidly up the river. No word was spoken aboanl. 
The machinery was oiled until it ran noiselessly ; anil not a light shone from 
the little craft, save when the furnace-door was hastily opened to fire up. 
The Confederate sentries on the bank saw nothing of the party ; and, even 
when they passed the picket schooners near the wreck of the "Southfield," 



86 BLUE-TAC'KK'IS (;F '61. 



they were unchallenged, although the\- could .see the schooners, and hear 
the voices of the men, not more than twenty yards away. Not until they 
came into the fitful glare of the firelight were they seen, and then cjuick 
hails came from the sentries .on the wharf and the " Albemarle's " decks. 
Hut the light on the shore aided the adventurers bv showing them the 
position of the ram. They dashed up alongside, amid a shower of bullets ■ 
that seemed to fill the air. On the decks of the rarn all was confusion, 
the alarm rattles were sprung, the bell rung violently. The launch running 
alongside came into contact with the row of logs, and sheered off to make 
a dash over it. Gushing, who on these dangerous expeditions was like a 
schoolboy on a holiday, answered with ridicule all hails. " Go ashore for 
your' lives," " Surrender yourselves, or I shall sink you," he cried, as the 
gunners on the ram trained a heavy gun on the little launch. Now she 
was headed straight for the ram, and had a run of thirty yards before 
striking the boom. She reached, and dashed over. Gushing, standing in 
the stern, held in one hand the tiller ropes, in the other the lanyard of the 
• torpedo. He looked up, saw the muzzle of a heavy gun trained directly 
on his boat : one convulsive pull of the rope, and with a roar the torpedo 
e.vploded under the hull of the "Albemarle," just as a b.undred-iiound shot 
crashed through the bottom of his boat. In a second the launch had dis- 
appeared ; her crew were struggling in the waves, or lying dead beneath 
them, and the "Albemarle" with a mortal wound was sinking to the bottom. 
Gushing swam to the middle of the river, and headed down stream. 
Most of his companions were killed, captured, or drowned. In the middle 
of the stream he met Woodman, who had followed him on previous expedi- 
tions. Woodman was almost exhausted. Gushing supported him as long- 
as he was able, but was forced to lea\-e him, and the sailor sank to the 
bottom. The young lieutenant floated down the river until at last he 
reached the shore, exhausted and faint from a wound in his wrist. He lay 
half covered with water in a swamp until daylight. While there he heard 
two Gonfederate officers who passed say that tiie " Albemarle " was a 
total wreck. That news gave him new energy, and he set about getting 
safely away. Through the thick undergrowth of the swamp he crawled for 




UKSlKLClluX (>!• lHh " AI.I;K.\I Ak l.l-.. 



t 



Bl.LIE-|A(Ki;iS OF '6i. 



.S9 



\ 



some hours, until ho found a nL'j;ro who gave him shelter and food. Then 
he plunged again into the swamp, and walked on until he captured a skiff 
from a Rebel picket; and with this he safely reached the fleet, — the only 
one of the thirteen who set out two days before. So ended the most 
wonderful adventine of the war. 





CHAPTER VII. 



THE BLOCKADE-RUNNERS. — NASSAU AND WILMINGTON. - WORK OF THE CRUISERS. 




HILE it is undeniably true that the naval battles of tlie civil 
war were in many cases unimportant as compared with the 
gigantic operations of the mighty armies in Virginia and Ten- 
nessee, yet there was one service performed by the navy, alone 
and unaided, which probably, more than any thing else, led to the final 
subjugation of the South. This was the blockade. 

To fully appreciate what a terrible weapon the blockade is when ener- 
getically pursued, one need only look at the condition of the South during 
the latter years of the war. Medicines were almost unattainable for love 
or money. Salt was more carefully hoarded than silver. Woollen goods 
for clothing were not to be had. Nothing that could not be ]iroduced 
by the people of the revolted States could be obtained at their markets. 
Their whole territory was in a state of siege, surrounded bv a barrier 
only a little less unrelenting than the iron circle the Germans drew around 
besieged Paris. 

Almost the first war measure of Abraham Lincoln was to declare the 
ports of the Confederacy in a state of blockade. At first this seemed a 
rash proclamation, and one which could not be sustained by the fore 
at the command of the P"ederals. It is a rule of warfare, that " blockades, 

C)0 



IlLUF. -JACKETS OF '6i. 9I 



to be binding, must be effective ; " that is, it is not lawful for a nation 
with a small fleet to declare an enemy's coast in a state nf l)lockade, and 
then cajiture such trading vessels as may happen to run in the way of 
its cruisers. The nation must have a large enough fleet to station vessels 
before each of the principal harbors of the enemy, and to maintain a 
constant and \'igilant patrol up and down his coast. If this cannot be 
done, the blockade is called a " paper blockade," and merchantmen are 
justified in attempting to evade it. An instance of a "paper blockade" 
occurred during the early months of the civil war, which will illustrate 
this point. Wilmington, N.C., was throughout the war one of the favorite 
ports for blockade-runners. I-'rom its situation, the many entrances to 
its harlDor, and other natural advantages, it was the most difficult of all 
the Southern ports t(j keep guarded. With the rest of the Confederate 
poi'ts, Wilmington was declared blockaded ; but it was long after, before 
a suitable blockading-fleet was stationed there. In July, 1861, the British 
brig "Herald" left Wilmington without molestation. When two days 
out, she ran across a United States man-of-war, that promptly captured her. 
The courts, however, decided that a ]iort so little guarded as Wilmington 
was at that time could not be legally called blockaded, and the brig was 
therefore released. 

But it did not take many months for the energetic men of the Navy 
Department to get together such a fleet of boats of all kinds as to enable 
them to effectually seal all the ports of the Confederacy. A blockading 
vessel need not be of great strength or powerful armament. All that is 
necessary is that she should be swift, and carry a gun heavy enough to 
overawe any merchantman that might attempt to nm the blockade. Anfl 
as such vessels were easy to improvise out of tug-boats, ferry-boats, yachts, 
and other small craft, it came about that by the last of 1S61, the people 
of the seaport towns of the South, looking seaward from their deserted 
wharves, could see two or three Federal cruisers lying anchored off the 
outer bar, just out of reach of the guns of shore-batteries. It was a service 
of no little danger for the blue-jackets. The enemy were ever on the alerl 
to break the blockade by destroying the ships with torpedoes. Iron-clad 



92 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i 



rams were built on the banks of the rivers, and sent down to sink and de- 
stroy the vessels whose watchfulness meant starvation to the Confederacy. 
The "Albemarle" and the " Merrimac " were notable instances of this 
course of attack. ]^ut the greatest danger which the sailors had to 
encounter was the peril of being wrecked by the furious storms which 
continually ravage the Atlantic coast. The sailor loves the open sea in 
a blow, but until the civil war, no captain had ever dared to lie tugging 
at his cables within a mile or two of a lee shore, with a stiff north-easter 
lashing the sea into fury. In the blockading ser\-ice of our great na\-al 
war, the war of 1S12, the method in vogue was to keep a few vessels 
cruising up and down the coast ; and, when it came on to blow, these ships 
would put out into the open sea and scud for some other point. Rut in 
'61 we had hundreds of vessels stationed along the enemy's coast ; and 
where a ship was stationed, there she stayed, to meet the fury of the wind 
and waves by putting out more anchors, and riding out at her cables 
storms that would have blown the blockader of 1S12 huiulieds of miles 
from her post. 

In the earlier years of the war the blockade-runners were mainly all 
sailing-vessels, schooners, and brigs, that were easily captured. lUit when 
the supplies of the South became exhausted, and the merchants of Eng- 
land began building ships especially lor this purpose, the dut}- of the 
blockading scjuadron became e.xciting and often very profitable. The 
business assumed such proportions that half the ship-yards in England 
were engaged in turning out fast steamers to engage in it. At first it 
was the custom to send goods in regular ocean-steamers from England 
to the blockaded port ; but this was soon abandonetl, as the risk of capture 
on the long run across the Atlantic was too great. Not until the plan 
was adopted of shipping the goods to some neutral port along our coast, 
and there transferring the cargo to some small, swift vessel, and making 
the run into the Confederate port in a few hours, did the business of 
blockade-running become very extensive. Goods shipped for a neutral 
point were in no danger of being captured by our cruisers, and therefore 
the danger of the long trans-Atlantic passage was done away with. 



/ 



BLUK-J.U' Kin's OF '6 1. 93 



Of these neutral points which served as way-stations for the blockailo- 
runners, there were four on or near our coast, — the Bermiula Islands, 
which He about seven hundred miles east of Charleston ; Nassau, which is 
off the coast of Florida, and a little more than five hundred miles south- 
east of Charleston ; Havana ; and the little Mexican town of Malanioras 
on the Rio Grande, opposite Brownsville, Texas. The Bermudas were to 
some extent used, hut their distance from the coast made them incon- 
venient as compared with Nassau or Matamoras. Their chief trade was 
with Wilmington, wliich became a favorite port during the latter yecu^s 
of the war. Ha\-ana was popular for a time, and at first sight would 
appear to be admirably placed for a blockade-runners' rendezvous. 13ut, 
though the coast of P^lorida was but one hundretl miles distant, it was 
surrounded by dangerous reefs, its harbors were bad and far apart, and 
there were no railroads in the southern part of the State to transport 
the contraband goods after they were landed. Besides, Key West, the 
naval station of the Union forces in the South, was unpleasantly near, and 
the gulf blockade was maintained with more rigor than that on the ^Atlantic 
coast. Matamoras was peculiarly well situated for a blockade-running point. 
It is on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River, about forty miles above 
its moiitli. Goods once landed could be shi]iped in barges and lighters 
across the river in absolute safety, since heavy batteries prevented the 
cruisers of the gulf-scpiadron from entering the river. As a result of 
this trade, Matamoras became a thriving place. Hundreds of vessels lav 
in its harbor, where now it is unusual to see fi\'e at a time. For four years 
its streets were crowded with liea\y freight vans, while stores and hotels 
reaped a rich harvest from the sailors of the vessels engaged in the contra- 
band traffic. Now it is as quiet and sleepy a little town as can he found in 
all the drowsy land of Mexico. 

But the true paradise of the blockade-runners was Nassau, the chief 
port of the Bahama Islands, and a colony of Great Britain. Here all the 
conditions necessary to successfully evade the blockade were to be found. 
The flag that waved over the island was that of a nation powerful enough 
to protect its citizens, and to enforce the laws relative to neutrality. 



94 



KLUK-JACKI'.IS Ol'' Y,i. 



Furthermore, Great Britain was undoubtedly in sympathy with the Con- 
federates ; and so far from prolubiting the efforts of her citizens to keep up 
trade with the blockaded ports, she encouraged and aided them in ever)- 
way in her power. And aside from lier mere sympathy with the struggles 




NASSAU: THE HAUNT OF THE ELOCKADE-RUNNERS. 



of the voung Confederacy, England had a most powerful incentive to break 
down the blockade. In Manchester the huge cotton-mills, employing thou- 
sands of hands, were shut down for lack of cotton, and the mill-hands 
were starving for lack of work ; while shut up in the blockaded ports of 
the South were tons upon tons of the fleecy staple, that, once in England, 



i;Lri:-jAtKi;r.s of ■6i. 95 



wduld be worth its weight in gold. It was small wonder that the nierehants 
of England set to work deliberately to fit out blockade-runners, that Ihcv 
might again get their mills running, and their people fed. 

The years of the war were lively times for the little town of Nassau. 
Hardly had the proclamation ol President Lincoln announcing the blockade 
of all Confederate ports been issued, when at a bound Nassau became 
prominent as the point of all most suitable for a blockade-runners' ren- 
dezvous. Its harbor and the surrounding waters were deep enough for 
merchant-vessels, but too shallow to allow mucli cruising about by war- 
ships of hea\'y armament. It was within a few hours' running of three Con- 
federate ports, and it was protected b\' the flag of Great Britain. Early in 
the war the Confederates established a consulate in the little town, and 
the Stars and Stripes and the Stars and Bars waved within a few rods of 
each other. Then great shipping-houses of Liverpool sent over agents, 
and established branch houses. Great warehouses and wharves were built. 
Soon great ocean ships and steamers began unloading their cargoes at 
these wharves. Then swift, rakish schooners began to drop into the harbor, 
and after discharging heavy loads of cotton would take on cargoes of 
English goods, and slip out at nightfall to begin the stealthy dash past the 
watching gunboats. As the war went on, and the profits of the trade 
increased with its dangers, a new style of craft began to appear in the little 
harbor. These were the Clyde built blockade-runners, on which the work- 
men of the Clyde ship-yards had been laboring day and night to get them 
ready before the war should end. They were long, low, piratical looking 
craft, with two smoke-stacks raking aft, and with one or two masts for 
showing signals, for they never hoisted a .sail. Two huge paddle-bo.xes 
towered above the deck amidships, the wheels being of enormous size. No 
structure of any kind encumbered the deck. Even the steersman stood 
unsheltered at a wheel in the bow. They were painted dark gray, and at 
night could .slip unseen along the water within a stonc's-throw of the most 
watchful lookout on a man-of-war. They burned great ciuantities of a kind 
of coal that gave out no smoke, and when steaming at night not a light 
was allowed on board. Many of these strange craft can be seen now along 



90 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



the IcN'Ccs at New Orleans, or at the wharves in Aloljile, wheic they are 
nsed as excursion-steamers or for tug-boats. They were always the merest 




COTTON SHIPS AT NASSAU. 



shells, fitted only for carrying freight, as not many passengers were to be 
found who desired to be taken into the Confederate territory. Occasionally, 
however, some soldier of fortune from abroad would drift from Nassau, and 



BLUK-JACRKTS OF '6i. 97 



thence to the mainland, to join the armies of the Confederacy. The Con- 
federate agents on the island were always on tlie lookout for such adven- 
turers, and were e\-er ready to aid them. Sometimes, too, returning 
agents of the Confederacy from h'-uropc wnuld make the run through th.e 
hlockading-fleet ; so that the blockade-runners were seldom without two 
or three passengers, [loor though their accommodations might be. For the 
\-oyage from Nassau to Wilmington, three Inmdred dollars passage money 
was charged, or more than fifty cents a mile. To guard against treachery, 
passage could only be obtainetl through the Confederate consul, who care- 
fully investigated the proofs of each apjjlicant's identity before issuing to 
him a ticket. 

When the blockade-runner had taken her cargo and passengers aboard, 
and was prepared for her voyage, every one in the little town came down to 
the docks to see her start. It was a populace strongly Southern in feeling 
that hlled the streets of Nassau, and nothing but good wishes were 
to be heard on every side. Perhaps from a house on the hill-side, over 
which floated the Stars and Stripes, the United States consul might be 
watching through a spyglass the movements of the steamer, and wishing 
in his heart that she might fall in with some Yankee cruiser ; but 
nevertheless, under his very eyes, the audacious racer sHjjs out, and starts 
on her stealthy voyage. On leaving the harbor, a cjuick run of fifteen or 
twenty miles would be taken along the coast, to tr\' the machinery. Great 
care would be taken to keep within British waters, lest some watchful gun- 
boat should seize the prize thus earl)- in her career. When every thing 
proved in good working tiim, the little vessel's ])row would be turned 
northward, and the perilous voyage begun. For the first day, little danger 
was to be e.xpected, and the voyage was generally so timed that the outer 
line of blockaders would be reached just after nightfall. A soldier going 
to enlist in one of the Confederate cavalry regiments thus tells the story 
of his evasion of the blockade. 

"After a favorable voyage we reached the desired point off Wilmington 
at the proper time. A brief stoppage was made, when soon the final 
preparations were completed for running the gantlet of the F'ederal 



gS IJLLlH-^'-'l'il'^l'^ "l*' '^i- 



blockaders, who would become visible shortly, as we approached nearer shore. 
All the lights in the steamer were extinguished, and all passengers ordered 
below, only the officers and crew being permitted' to remain on deck. 
The furnaces were replenished with carefully selected coal, which would 
give the greatest amount of heat and the least smoke. The last orders 
were given, and every man was at his appointed place. Presently the 
boilers hissed, and the paddle-wheels ^^egan to revolve faster and faster, 
as the fleet little steamer rose higher and higher in the water from the 
immense force of the rapid strokes ; she actually felt like a horse gathering 
himself up under you for a great leap. After a little while, the few faint 
sounds from the deck which we could hitherto faintly catch in the cabin 
ceased altogether, and there was the stillness of death except for the 
sounds necessarily made by the movements of the machiner)-. Then we 
realized that we were running for our lives past the line of cruisers, and 
that at any moment a big shell might come crashing through our cabin, 
disagreeably lighting up the darkness in which we were sitting. Our 
Suspense was prolonged for some minutes longer, when the speed was 
slackened, and finally we stopped altogether. Even then we ditl not know 
whether we were safely through the lines, or whether we had been brought 
to inider the guns of a hostile ship, for we could distinguish nothing what- 
ever through the portholes. However, we were soon released from the 
cabin, and walked on deck, to find ourselves safely through the blockade. 
In the offing could be descried several of the now harmless blockaders, 
and near at hand lay the coast of North Carolina. Soon the gray dawn 
was succeeded by a brilliant, lovely sunrise, wdiich lighted up cheerfully the 
low-lying shores and earthworks bristling with artillery, while from a port 
near by floated the Southern Cross, the symbol of the glorious cause for 
which we had come to fight." 

When the blockade-runner, after safely running the gantlet of the 
war-ships, steamed leisurely up to the whar\-es of the blockaded town, 
every one rushed to the docks to greet her. Her captain and crew became 
at once people of great importance. They were beset on every side for 
news of the great world outside. The papers that they brought in were 



BLLIIi-JACKETS OF '6i. 99 



bought eagerly b\' the people, hungering for tidings of something else than 
the interminable war. The sailors of the steamer, on being paiil off, 
rambled about the sti'eets ol tlie cit)', speinling theii' monev royally, and 
followed by a train of admiring hangers-on. The earnings of the sailors 
in case of a successful voyage were immense. A thousand dollars for the 
four or five days' trip was nothing unusual for common seamen, while the 
captain often received eight or nine thousaml. lUit the risk of capture, 
with the confiscation of all property, and some months' iniprisonmenl in 
a Federal fortress, rather marred the attractiveness of the nefarious trade. 
The profits of a successful voyage to the owner of the shi|) and cargo were 
enormous. One of the steamers, specially built for the trade, at large cost, 
has been known to pay for herself full\- in one vox'age. Indeed, the profits 
must have been huge to induce merchants to take the risk of absolutely 
losing a ship and cargo worth half a million ot dollars. It is certain, too, 
that throughout the war the number of vessels captured, while trying 
to run the blockade, was far in excess of those that succeeded. L'p to the 
end of 1S63 the Federal Secretary of the Navy reported 1,045 vessels 
cajitured, classified as follows: schooners, 547; steamers, 179; sloops, 
117; brigs, 30; barks, 26; ships, 15; yachts and boats, 117. Of course, 
most of these were small, coastwise vessels. Even among the steamers 
captured, there were but few of the fleet-going, English-built craft. 

There was no small amount ol smuggling carried on between tlie ports 
of the North and the blockaded ports. The patriotism of the N(n-thern 
merchant was not alwavs so great as lo prevent his embarking in the 
traffic which he saw enriching his l-Inglish com])etitor. IMany of the 
schooners captured started from Northern jioi-ts and worked their way 
along the coast until that chain of inlets, sounds, and ba\'ous was reached, 
which borders the coast south of Chesapeake Bav. Once inside the bar, 
the smuggler could run at his leisure for any of the little towns that stood 
on the banks of the rivers of Virginia and Nortli Carolina. The chase of 
one of these little vessels was a dreary duty to the officers of the block- 
ading-ships. The fugiti\'es were fast cli|)i>ers of the models that made 
Maine ship-builders famous, until the inauguration of steam-na\igation 



lOO BLUE-TACKETS OF '6i. 



made a gracefully modelled hull immaterial as compared with powerful 
machinery. Even when the great, lumbering war-ship had overhauled 
the flying schooner so as to bring a gun to bear on her, the little boat 
might suddenly dash into some inlet or up a river, where the man-of-war, 
with her heavy draught, could not hope to follow. And if captured, the 
prize was worth but little, and the prize-money, that cheers the sailors' 
hearts, was but small. But the chase and capture of one of the swift Clyde- 
built steamers was a different matter. Perhaps a lookout in the maintop] 
of a cruiser, steaming idly about the Atlantic, between Nassau and 
Wilmington, would spy, far off on the horizon, a black speck, moving 
swiftly along the ocean. No curling smoke would tell of the blockade- 
runner's presence, and nothing could be seen until the hull of the steamer 
itself was percejitible. With the quick hail of the lookout, the man-of-war 
would head for the prize, and start in hot pursuit. Certain it is that the 
smuggler started to fly before the watchful lookout on the cruiser caught 
sight of her. The towering masts and capacious funnels of the man-of-war, 
with fhe cloud of black smoke from her furnaces, made her a conspicuous 
object at distances from which the smuggler would be invisible. With the 
blockade-runners the rule was to avoid any sail, no matter how innocent 
it might seem ; and the appearance of a cloud of smoke on the horizon 
was the signal for an immediate change of course, and a flight for safety. 
When the chase began in this way, the cruiser had but little chance of 
making a capture, for the superior speed of the merchant-vessel would 
quickly carry her out of sight. Sometimes, however, a favorable wind 
would enable the pursuer to use her sails, and then the chase would become 
exciting. With a cloud of canvas set, the man-of-war would gradually 
overhaul the flying vessel : and when within range, the great bow-gun would 
be cleared, and with a roar a shell would be sent flying after the prize. 
All hands would watch its course an.xiously. Generally it fell short. Then 
another and another messenger would be sent to the enemy, which seldom 
struck the mark, for gunnery on a rough sea is a difficult art. But the 
blockade-runner can't stand being used for target-practice long. The cool 
head of her captain begins to deliberate upon means of getting out of 





r.lA)CKAriF,-krNNK.U in mirth CAKDl.INA SllUNTlS. 



BLUE-JACKIiTS OF '6i. 101; 



range. Mere running before the wind wcn't do it : so he makes a long 
detour, and doubles on his course, heading directly into the teeth of the 
breeze. Now the cruiser is at a disadvantage. Her sail-power gone, she 
stands no chance of capturing her game. Her shells begin to fall far short 
of the smuggler, and soon she ceases firing altogether; and the blockade- 
runner, driven hundreds of miles out of her course, but safe for the time, 
goes on her wa)- rejoicing. 

One of the most brilliant captures of the war was that of the blockade- 
runner "Young Republic," by the United States gunboat "Grand Gulf." 
The "Young RepubHc " succeeded in evading the watchfulness of the 
blockading-squadron about the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and under 
cover of the night ran in safely to the anchorage under the guns of the 
Confederate forts. The baffled blockaders saw her moving slowly up the 
river, while the cannon of the forts on either side thundered out salutes 
to the daring vessel that brought precious supplies to the Confederacy. 
But the blockading-squadron, though defeated for the time, determined to 
wait and catch her when she came out. Accordingly the "Grand Gulf," 
one of the fastest of the United States vessels, was stationed at the mouth 
of the river, with orders to watch for the "Young Republic." A week 
passed, and there was no sign of her. At last, one bright day, the lookout 
in the tops saw the mast and funnel of a steamer moving along above the 
forest which lined the river's bank. Soon the hull of the vessel came into 
view ; and with a rattle of hawse-chains, her anchors were let fall, ami 
she swung to beneath the jirotecting guns of the fort. It was clear that she 
was going to wait there until a dark or foggy night gave her a good chance 
to slip past the gunboat that watched the river's mouth as a cat watches 
the mouth of a mouse-hole. With their marine glasses the ofificers on the 
gunboat could see the decks of the "Young Republic" piled high with 
brow^n bales of cotton, worth immense sums of money. They thought ot 
the huge value of the prize, and the grand distribution of prize-money, and 
determined to use every effort to make a capture. Strategy was determined 
upon, and it was decided to give the blockade-runner the chance to get out 
-of the river that she was awaiting. ^ Accordingly the gunboat steamed away 



I04 BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 

up the coast a few miles, leaving the mouth of the river clear. When 
hidden by a projecting headland, she stopped and waited for the blockade- 
runner to come out. The stokers were kept hard at work making the great 
fires roar, until the steam-gauge showed the highest pressure the boilers 
could bear. The sailors got out additional sails, clewed up cordage and 
rigging, and put the ship in order for a fast run. When enough time had 
elapsed, she steamed out to see if the "Young Republic" had taken the 
bait. Officers and crew crowded forward to catch the first sight around 
the headland. The great man-of-war sjjcd through the water. The head- 
land was rounded, and a cheer went up from' the crowd of jackies ; for there, 
in the offing, was the blockade-runner, gliding through the water like a 
dolphin, and steaming for dear life to Nassau. Then the chase began 
in earnest. The "Young Republic" was one of those long, sharp steamers 
built on the Clyde expressly for running the blockade. Her crew knew 
that a long holiday in port, with plenty of money, would follow a successful 
cruise ; and they worked untiringly to keep up the fires, and set ever)' sail 
so that it would draw. On the cruiser the jackies saw visions of a prize 
worth a million and a half of dollars ; and the thought of so much prize- 
money to spend, or to send home, si)urred them on. For several hours 
the chase seemed likely to be a long, stern one ; but then the freshening 
wind filled the sails of the gunboat, and she began to overhaul the fugitive. 
When within a mile or two, she began firing great shells with her pivot-gun. 
Then the flying blockade-runner began to show signs of fear ; and with 
a good glass the crew could be seen throwing o\"er bale after bale of the 
precious cotton, to lighten the vessel. In the last thirty miles of the chase 
the sea was fairly covered with cotton-bales. More than three hundred 
were passed floating in the water; and the jackies gnashed their teeth, and 
growled gruffly, at the sight of so much wealth slipping through their 
fingers. On the high paddle-wheel bo.x of the blockade-runner, the captain 
could be seen coolly directing his crew, and now and again turning to take 
a look through his glass at the pursuer. As the chase continued, the 
certainty of capture became more and more evident. Then the fugitives 
began throwing overboard or destroying every thing of value : furniture. 




I'UK-UIN'; A r,l/KKAI<K-KINNKI<. 



ISLUE-TAfRKTS OF '6i. lo; 



silver-ware, chronometers, the fittings of the cabin, every thing that could 
benefit their captors, the chagrined blockade-runners destroyed. The 
officers of the gimboat saw that if they wished to gain an\- thing by their 
capture, they must make haste. .At the risk of an explosion, more steam 
was crowded on ; and the gunboat was sooa alongside the " Young Repub- 
lic," and in a position to give her an enormous broatlside. The blockade- 
runner saw that he was caught and must submit. For lack of a white flag, 
a pillow-case was run up to the masthead, and the beating of the great 
wheels stopped. The davits amidships of the "Grand Gulf" are swung out, 
and a boat's crew, with a lieutenant and dapper midshipman, climb in. A 
cjuick order, " Let fall there," and the boat drops into the water, and is 
headed for the prize. Another moment, and the stars and stripes supplant 
the pillow-case waving from the masthead of the " Young Republic." An 
officer who went into the boiler-room found that the captured crew had 
]3lanned to blow up the x'essel by tying down the safety-valve, so that an 
enormous pressure of steam strained the boilers almost to biu'sting. A 
quick blow of a hatchet, and that danger was done away with. Then, with 
a prize-crew on board, the " Young Reimblic " started on her voyage to 
New York ; while the " Grand Gulf" returned lo Wilmington to hunt for 
fresh game. 

A curious capture was that of the Hritish schooner "Francis," which 
was running between Nassau and the coast of Morida. On her last trip 
she was neariiig the coast, wlien she fell in with a fishing-sniack, and was 
warned that a Federal gunboat was not far away. Still she kept on her 
course until sundown, when tiie breeze went down, and she la)- becalmed. 
The gunboat had been steaming into inlets and lagoons all day, and had 
not sighted the schooner. When night came on, she steamed out into the 
open sea, within a quarter of a mile of the blockade-runner, and, putting 
out all lights, lay to for the night. Those on the schooner could see the 
gunboat, but the lookout on the cruiser did not see the blockade-runner. 
Soon a heavy fog came up, and entireh' hid the vessels from each other. 
The blockado-runners could only hope that a breeze might spring up, and 
enable them to escape. But now a curious thing occurred. It almost 



lo8 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

seems as if two vessels on the ocean exercise a magnetic attraction for 
eacli other, so often do collisions occur where there seems room for all the 
navies of the world to pass in review. So it was this ni-^ht. The anxious 
men on the schooner soon found that the two \-essels were tirilting together, 
and they were absolutely powerless to prevent it. At midnight, though 
they could see nothing, they could hear the men on the giuiboat talking. 
Two hours after, the schooner nestled gently up by the side of the gunboat ; 
and a slight jar gave its crew their first intimation that a ]irize was there, 
simply waiting to be taken. All they had to do was to climb o\er the 
railing. This was promptly done, and the disgusted blockade-runners 
were sent below as prisoners. Half an hour later came a breeze that 
would have carried them safely to port. 

The gray sea-fogs played manv scurvv tricks with the blockading- 
fleets, often letting the runners in right luider the muzzles of the great 
guns. It was far easier to spy out a vessel in the darkest night than in 
the thick gray fog that enveloped all objects like a blanket. One of the 
strangest of all the pranks played by the fog occurred in December, 1863, 
in Charleston Harbor. A war}- blockade-runner was creeping out of the 
harbor, within easy range of the great guns of the fleet, and all hands were 
trembling, lest at any minute should come the flash of a gun, and shriek of 
a shell, bearing a peremptory command to heave to. Suddenly the flash 
came, and was followed b)' the bang! bang! of great guns from all quarters 
of the fleet. But the fire seemed pointed in another direction ; and the 
runner made the best of her wav out to sea, thinking that some less fortu- 
nate vessel, trying to come in on the other side of the fleet, had been 
captured or blown out of the water. It turned out that a small fog-bank 
had taken the form of a gray steamer moving swiftly over the water, and 
had been fiercely cannonaded by the whole Federal fleet. This occurrence 
gave the Confederates an idea ; and they began sending out dummies to 
engage the fleet, while the true blockade-runners would slip out unobserved 
in the excitement. One night as the tide was running out with great force, 
an old hulk was cut adrift from a wharf, and drifted down rapidly upon 
the Federal fleet. It was just after the exploits of the " Merrimac " had 






HLUE-JACKliTS OF '6i. 109 



made Confederate rams famous, ami the naval officers were a little nervous. 
The hulk drifted quite into the midst of the fleet before bcinjjj observed ; 
and when she was hailed she bore down on the larf;ebt of the men-of-war 
as though she were a [lowerful ram, steered by a commander of desperate 
bravery. The great gunboat's deck rang with tiie bo's'n's whistle, as the 
crew were jjiped to repel boarders, and to their quarters at the guns. A 
fierce fire was poured on the hostile craft, that came on sullenly, as if 
scorning to make re])ly. One by one the other vessels of the fleet drew 
near, and concentrated their fire on the wretched lumber schooner. It 
was too much for her ; antl she gave up the unequal combat, and sank to 
the bottom. For days after, the gallant tars of the squadron blockading 
Charleston rejoiced in the destruction of a " Rebel ram ;" but none of them 
knew, that, while they were engaged in the desperate contest, two great 
blockade-runners, heavily laden with cotton, had slipped out of the harbor, 
and were well under wa)' for Nassau. 

Stories of adventure and of desperate pluck and dash abound in the 
records of the blockade. Both among the officers of the blockading-fleets, 
and the commanders of the runners, were found great courage and fine 
seamanshijj. One fact is ])articu]arly noticeable to the student of the 
blockade: an English captain running the blockade would never dare 
the dangers that a Confederate would brave without a tremor. A Con- 
federate captain would rush his ship through the hostile fleet, and stick 
to her until she sunk ; while an Englishman would run his ship ashore, and 
take to the woods. The cases of the " Hattie," commanded by H. .S. 
Lebbv, a Confederate, and the " Princess Roval," a fine, staunch, iron 
steamer, with an English commander and crew, are typical. The " Hattie" 
was the last runner to enter or leave Charleston Harbor. She was a small, 
swift steamer ; but she made more successful trips than any other runner. 
Men living in Charleston to-day, who were interested in the work of this 
little vessel during the war, say that her cargoes were worth at least fifty 
millions of dollars. She had numerous narrow escapes, but was never 
captured. Her reputation was such that the Confederate authorities 
selected her as the vessel to bring in army supplies and ammunition, 



no BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



and at least three battles were fought with ammunition brought in her 
hold. Her last entrance to Charleston was one night in February, 1865. 
Eighteen Federal vessels lay anchored off the harbor, and for a runner to 
venture in seemed madness. But the captain of the "Hattie" was used 
to taking desperate chances, and he proposed to enter that harbor. The 
ship had been freshly painted a blue-white, and as she drifted along the 
water, with all lights out, looked like a bank of mist. She was within two 
hundred yards of the outer row of blockaders before her presence was 
detected. Suddenly fire was opened on her from the nearest gunboat, and 
in an instant the air was full of rockets announcing her presence. The 
little vessel had no means of. retaliation : all there was for her to do was to 
dash through the fire and make for the city. Steam was crowded on ; and 
she flew up the channel, running the gantlet of the fleet, and escaping 
almost untouched. Then came the real peril. Just below Fort Sumter 
were two barges anchored in the channel, and filled with armed men. Past 
these she dashed, her great speed saving her from boarding ; but she 
r-eceived the fire of both boats, which wounded several of her crew, and cut 
off the fingers of the pilot's hand resting on the wheel. This danger past, 
there was one more to be met. A' large monitor lay anchored up the 
harbor, and the "Hattie" was running so close to her that the commands of 
the ofificers in the turret could be clearly heard. One after the other the 
two great guns were fired, both shots missing; and the "Hattie," safely past 
the gantlet, sailed up to the dock in triumph. But by that time it was 
clear that the last days of the war were near at hand, and accordingly the 
work of unloading and reloading the vessel for her outward trip was pressed 
with the greatest vigor. All the time she lay at her dock, Charleston was 
being vigorously bombarded by the Federal men-of-war lying outside the 
harbor. The bay fairly swarmed with blockading cruisers ; yet a week later 
the little steamer slipped out through a fleet of twenty-six cruisers without 
being hailed, and carried her cotton safely to market. When the news 
of Lee's surrender was received, she was lying safe at her dock in Nassau. 

The " "irincess Royal," to which we have alluded, was a large iron screw 
steamer, freighted with drugs, army supplies, guns, and two engines' and 






^ ^ \ 




iMOUl'AR-HOATS AT ISLAND NO. lo. 



thei 
har' 
th 

t 



HI.rK-|A('Ki;iS OF 'Oi. I I I 



boilers for two iron-clads in Cliarlcston Harbor, — a most valualile and im- 
portant cargo for the Confederates. Slic made the run from Nassau to a 
point near the coast without adventure, and in tlie early gray of the morning 
was stealing up the coast towards the hai'bor, when a bloekader caught 
sight of her, and started in pursuit. The later began fu-ing wlieu a mile 
and a half away ; and, though there was hardly a chance of the shots taking 
effect, the cannonade gave the captain of the runner the cold shakes. His 
boat was one of the fastest on the ocean, and he needed onlv to put on 
steam to escape all the blockaders on the coast. But he was a thorough 
paced coward ; and, thinking only of his own safety, he headed the craft 
for the beach, and with his crew fled into the woods. The valuable shij:) 
and her cargo fell into the hands of the Federals. 

Sometimes runners were captured through apparently the most trivial 
accidents. One ship, heavily laden with army supplies, and carrying a 
large number of passengers, was running through the blockading-fleet, and 
seemed sure of escape. All lights were out, the passengers were in the 
cabin, not a word was to be heard on deck, even the commands of the 
officers being delivered in whispers. Suddenly a prolonged cock-crow rent 
the air, and, with the silence of every thing surrounding, sounded like a 
clarion peal from a trumpet. The deck-hands rushed for a bo.x of poultr\' 
on the deck, and dragged out bird after bird, wringing their necks. The 
true offender was almost the last to be caught, and avenged the deaths 
of his brothers by crowing vigorously all the time. The noise was enough 
to alarm the blockaders; and in a moment the hail, "Surrender, or we'll 
blow you out of water!" brought the unlucky runner to a standstill, — a 
prisoner. The "Southern Cross" narrowly escaped capture on account ol 
the stupidity of an Irish deck-hand, whose craving for tobacco proved too 
strong for his discretion. The ship was steaming slyly by two cruisers, 
and in the darkness would have escaped unseen, when the deck-hand, 
who had been without a smoke as long as he could stand it, lit a match 
and puffed away at his pipe. The tiny flame was enough for the cruisers, 
and they began a spirited cannonade. The " Southern Cross " ran for her 
life. The shooting was guess-work, but the gunners on the cruisers showed 



112 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



all the proverbial Yankee skill at guessing. The first ball carried away 
the roof of the pilot-house, and the second ripped away the railing along 
the deck for thirty feet. But the captain was plucky, and made a run for 
it. He was forced to pass within a hundred feet of one of the cruisers ; and 
as he saw the muzzles of the great guns bearing on his ship, he heard 
the command, " Heave to, or I'll sink you." But he took his chances, and 
escaped with only the damage caused by a solid shot crashing through 
the hull. 

One of the strangest experiences of all was that of the captain of a 
blockade-runner i)utting in to Wilmington one bitter cold night, when 
the snow was blowing in clouds, and the fingers of tne men at the wheel 
and the sailors on watch were frostbitten. The runner had reached the 
harbor safely ; but there in channel lay a blockader in such a position 
that any shij) coming in must pass within a hundred feet of her. The 
Confederate had a light-draught vessel, and tried to squeeze through. 
When he passed the gunboat, only twelve feet of space separated the two 
vessels ; and he saw a lookout, with his arms on the rail, looking right at 
the passing vessel. The Confederate expected an immediate alarm, but 
it did not come. Wondering at the cause, but hai^iy in his luck, he sped 
on, anil gained the harbor safely. Some da}'s after, he learned that the 
lookout was a dead man, frozen at his post of duty. 

It will readily be understood that the inducements offered to blockade- 
runners must have been immense to persuade men to run such risks. The 
officers and sailors made money easily, and spent it rcjyally when they 
reached Nassau. " I never expect to see such flush times again in my 
life," said a blockade-running captain, speaking of Nassau. "Money was 
as plentiful as dirt. I have seen a man toss up a twenty-dollar gold piece 
on " heads or tails," and it would be followed by a score of the yellow boys 
in five seconds. There were times when the bank-vaults could not hold 
all the gold, and the coins wci'e dumped down by the bushel, anil guarded 
by soldiers. Men wagered, gambled, drank, and seemed crazy to get rid 
of their money. I once saw two captains bet five hundred dollars each 
on the length of a certain porch. Again I saw a wager of eight hundred 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6r. 



II 



.otd. The Confederate, were paying the English big priees for ,oo,l, 
bn. ,.u„„p,,.i„g the hgnre, ,y h,,, ,eecn. a,,., ten a, s '„„ e Cot 

were landed ,n Charleston. Ten doiia,. invested in c, ino in N^t 

«-0.,l<. b„„g l„„„ tonr hnndred to si. I.nndred dollars , Charleston A 
patr o ,o,n-d„l,ar boots wonl.l bring ,r„„ ,„„rtee„ to si,teen dollas^ 
two- „ ar ha. „,,nld bting eight dollars, and so „„ ,|.r„„g„ „, „„ „ ,' „ 
goods broagb. ,n Every snecesstnl captain nrigbt have n.ade a for.a, e 
ii. a )ear; bat ,t ,, not believed that Hve oat of the whole n,n„ber had 
a . oasand dollars on band when the war elased. ,t was eon, e a^ 





CHAPTER VIII. 



DUPONT'S EXPEDITION TO HILTON HEAD AND PORT ROVAL. - THE FIERY CIRCLE. 




HE great joint na\'al and military expedition, which in August, 
i86i, had reduced the forts at Hatteras Inlet, and, continuing 
its progress, had, by successive victories, brought RoanolvC Island, 
Newbern, Elizabeth City, and the Sounds of Pamlico and Albe- 
marle under the sway of the Federal Government, was but the first of a 
series of expeditions intended to drive the Confederates from the Atlantic 
seaboard, and secure for the United States vessels safe harbors and coaling 
stations in the bays and inlets along the South Atlantic coast. The 
proper maintenance of the blockade made it necessary that the seaboard 
should be in the hands of the Federals. For a blockader off Charleston 
or Wilmington to be forced to return to Hampton Roads to coal or to 
make repairs, would entail the loss of weeks, perhaps months, of valuable 
time. Besides, the sounds and inlets with which that irregular coast is 
honey-combed were of great use to the Confederates, who could construct 
at their leisure great rams like the "Merrimac" or "Albemarle," and 
hurl them against the fleet with the hope of breaking the blockade. Such 
opportunities were eagerly seized by the Confederates whene\'er offered ; 
and in many cases the defeating of their purposes seems almost providen- 
114 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. I15 



tial, so great was the seeming disparity between tlie attaci<ing ram and 
tlie forces which finally repulsed it. 

In reviewing the part of the navy in the ci\-il war, we find that it 
acted like a great iron baiul, ever drawing closer and closer about the 
Confederacy, forcing the Southern armies from one point after another, 
until at last the whole coast was in the hands of the Unionists, and the 
Confederates were driven into the interior, there to be dealt with by the 
Xorthern armies. One is reminded of that iron chamber in Poe's story, 
which day by day grows smaller and smaller, until the wretched prisoner 
within is forced into the pit yawning in the centre. So, during the 
war, the Confederates lost Hattcras Inlet, Roanoke Island, Hilton Head, 
Fernandina, Mobile, New Orleans, and Galveston comparatively early In 
the struggle. Wilmington, behind the almost impregnable bastions of 
Fort Fisher, and Charleston, surrounded by a cordon of defensive forts, 
remained the last strongholds of the Confederacy on the Atlantic coast, 
until the final downfall of the great uprising. 

Shortly after the capture of the Hatteras Forts, the navy department 
saw the need of a harbor and base of naval operations farther south. 
Charleston, with its powerful defences, was deemed impregnable at that 
time ; and elaborate descriptions of the Southern coast were prepared, 
setting forth the ad\-antages and disailvantages of available Southern ports. 
Fernandina, Brunswick, Port Royal, and Bull's Bay, were duly considered ; 
and, while the Navy Department was debating which point to seize. Admiral 
Dupont was diligently fitting out an expedition to be in readiness to attack 
any that should be determined upon. Up to the last moment it was 
thought that Fernandina would be selected. But finally, with the advice 
of Gen. Sherman, it was determined to make the attempt to wrest Port 
Royal from the Confederates. 

Port Royal is the general name given to a broad body of water formed 
by the confluence of the Broad and Beaufort Rivers, and opening into 
the Atlantic Ocean on the South Carolina coast, about midway between 
Charleston and Savannah. No more beautiful region is to be found in 
the world. P""ar enough south to escape the rigors of the northern winters. 



Il6 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

and far enough north to be free from the enervating heat of the tropics ; 
honeycombed by broad, salt-water lagoons, giving moisture and mildness 
to the air, — the country about Port Royal is like a great garden ; and even 
to-day, ravaged though it was by the storms of war, it shows many traces 
of its former beauty. It is in this region that are found the famous Sea 
Islands, on which grows cotton so much more fleecy and fine of fibre than 
the product of the interior, that it is known the world over as Sea Island 
cotton, and sells at the highest price in the markets of England. In 
'6 1 the islands bore the great hospitable manor-houses of the Southern 
planters ; broad of rooms and wide of piazzas, and always open for the 
entertainment of travellers, were they friends or strangers. The planters 
living there were among the wealthiest in the South, at a time when all 
planters were wealthy. They numbered their slaves by thousands. Stand- 
ing on the broad piazza of one of these Southern homes, one could see the 
rows of rough huts that made up the negro cjuarters, and hear faintly 
the sound of the banjo and rude negro melodies, mingling with the music 
of piano or harp within the parlor of the mansion-house. Refined by 
education and travel, the planters of the region about Port Royal made 
up a courtly society, until war burst upon them, and reduced their estates 
to wildernesses, and themselves to beggary. 

At the head of the Beaufort River stood the little town of Beaufort. 
Before the war this was a thriving place ; its magnificent harbor made it 
easily accessible for the largest merchant-ships, and the richly productive 
country round about furnished heavy cargoes of the fleecy staple that gave 
to the South the name of the "cotton kingdom." On Saturdays and holi- 
days the broad streets of Beaufort would be crowded with carriages and 
horsemen from the neighboring plantations. The planters, in broad-brimmed 
hats and suits of snowy linen, thronged the broad piazzas of the hotel, or 
grouped together in the shade of the spreading trees that lined the streets, 
discussing the cotton crops and prices. Now all is changed. Beaufort is a 
sleepy little village, with no sign of trade, domestic or foreign ; and the 
country round about, once dotted with handsome plantation homes, now 
seems a very wilderness, save where Northerners have erected for them- 
selves winter homes on the Sea Islands. 



BLUE-JACKETS ()!•' '6i. \i 



It was late in October, 1861, when the final determination to attack the 
forts at Port Royal was reached. For weeks befoix-, the squadron lying at 
Hampton Roads had been making preparations for a great naval movement, 
and all the newspapers of the North were filleil with wise speculations as to 
its objecti\'e point. Reporters, correspondents, and editors were alike baflled 
in their efforts to secure accurate information ; and even the commanders of 
the men-of-war were ignorant of their destination. Rut it seems that the 
Confederates were warned by some ot their sympatliizers in Washington, 
and the destination of the fleet was better known south of Mason and 
Dixon's line than in the North. On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the squadron was all 
ready for the voyage. It was by far the most powerful fleet e\'er gathered 
under the flag of the United States. Twenty-five vessels laden with coal 
had sailed the day before. On the placid waters of the bay, uniler the 
frowning walls of Fortress Monroe, floated fifty men-of-war antl transports. 
The day was clear, and the breeze brisk, and the hearts of the jolly jack-tars 
bounded within them as they thought of escaping from the long inactivity 
of a season in port. Long boats bearing despatches rowed from ship to 
ship; hucksters from the shore came oif in dories, dingies, and all variety of 
queer craft, to dri\-e a farewell bargain with the sailors. The transport 
vessels were crowded with soldiers in the gay uniforms of militia commands. 
(It was early in the war then, and they had not learned that a man could 
fight as well in dingy rags.) The "Wabash" was flag-ship, and aboard her 
was Admiral DuPont. When she made the signal for getting under way, 
all was bustle and animation on all the other vessels of the fleet, and on all 
sides could be heard the noise of preparation for the start. The boatswains 
piped away cheerily ; and a steady tramp, tramp, from the deck of each ship, 
and the clicking of the capstan catches, told that the anchors were coming 
uix Soon from the black funnels of the steamers clouds of smoke began to 
pour, and in the rigging of the sail frigates were crowds of nimble sailors. 
The commands "All ready! Let fall!" rang sharply over the water from 
the ships. Broad sheets of snowy canvas appeared where before were but 
ropes and spars, and in a moment the whole squadron was under w;i)-. The 
steamers led off briskly, with much churning of the water by their paddle- 



ii8 



BLUE-TACKETS OF '6i. 



wheels and "brazen-fins;" after them followed the magnificent sailing:- 

o o 

frigates, with sail set, — lofty masses of canvas towering toward the skies, and 
moving with stately grace. At the very head of all went the flag-ship, the 
grand old "Wabash," with the flag of Admiral DuPont floating from the 
fore. None of the commanders knew whither they were bound. All were 




%• .', to X- .f^^ 




t w"^ *? ^ 






■m 



FORTRESS MONROE. 

to follow the flag-ship, and in event of separation to refer to sealed orders 
with which each was provided. For the first day all went well. The prom- 
ise of fair weather given by the beautiful day of starting seemed about to be 
fulfilled. But on the second night, as they came near the terrible region 
of Cape Hatteras, the wind began to freshen, and continued increasing in 
fierceness until it fairly blew a gale. The night was pitchy dark, and the 



% 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 119 



crews on the vessels could hardly sec the craft by which they were sur- 
rounded. Great as was the danger of being cast on the treacherous shoals 
of Hatteras, the peril of instant destruction by collision was even more im- 
minent. Fifty vessels, heavily freighted with human lives, were pitching 
and tossing within a few rods of each other, and within a few miles of a lee 
shore. It seemed that the destruction of a large number of the vessels was 
unavoidable ; and the sailors may be pardoned, if, remembering the mishaps 
of the Burnside expedition, they conceived Hatteras to be tenanted by an 
evil spirit, determined to prevent the invasion of Confederate territory. To 
add to the danger, the Confederates had extinguished the warning light at 
the Cape, and the navigators of the fleet had nothing to guide them in their 
course. When morning came, the fleet was pretty well scattered, although 
still many vessels were near enough together to be in no small danger. The 
transport " Winfield Scott," which carried four hundred and fifty soldiers, 
besides a large crew, was observed to be rolling hea\'ily, and flying signals 
of distress. From the decks of the " Bienville," the nearest steamer, the 
officers with their glasses could see the crew of the distressed vessel work 
ing like beavers, throwing overboard every thing of weight to lighten the 
ship. Notwithstanding all their efforts, she was clearly water-logged, and 
sunk so low in tlic water that wave after wave broke over her decks, evcr\' 
now and then sweeping a man away to sure death in tlie raging sea. It 
seemed folly to attempt to launch lifeboats in such a furious sea, but the 
captain of the "Bienville " determined to make the attempt to save the men 
on the doomed "Winfield Scott." The crew was piped to quarters, and the 
captain asked for X'olunteers to go to the rescue. Man after man stepped 
forward, until enough had been secured to man three boats with ten men 
each. Carefully the boats were dropped into the sea, and man after man 
swung into them ; then they put off and started for the sinking ship, l^ut 
while these preparations were being made, the two ships had been drifting 
closer and closer together. Soon it was seen that a collision was inevitable. 
Fortunately the boats were broadside on, so that the cutting effect of a blow 
from the bow was avoided. They were jiresently so near each other that 
the men began jumping from the deck of the " Winfield Scot " upon that 




Q 

a 






BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 121 



of the "Bienville." The leap, though a perilous one, was made in safety by 
over thirty men. Suddenly a great wave lifted the ships up and dashed 
them together,^. Three poor wrctehcs, just about to jump, were caught 
between the vesse|s and crushed to death. A few sharp cries of agony, and 
all was over; and the vessels, drifting apart, let their bodies, crushed beyond 
recognition, fall into the water. By this time the small boats, with their 
determined crews on board, had succeeded in getting around to the lee side 
of the sinking ship, and the work of getting the soldiers and sailors over 
the side was begun. I5y the most strenuous efforts all were saved, and the 
"Bienville " steamed away, leaving the "Winfield Scott" to her fate. 

Night came on, with the gale blowing with still greater fury. The 
wind shrieked through the cordage, and now and again a great wave would 
sweep across the decks of the crowded vessels, making the men hang 
on to the rigging for dear life. Soon another ship began to go to pieces. 
The "Governor," which had been steaming along near the "Wabash" 
since the time of leaving Hampton Roads, had become separated from 
her consort during the gale of the first day. On the second night, those 
aboard her perceived that she was showing signs of weakness, and was 
likely to go down with all on board unless aid could be obtained. Not 
a sail, however, was in sight ; and every wave seemed about to overwhelm 
or dash to pieces the frail craft. She labored heavily in the furious sea. 
By and by the strain on her timbers was such that the port hog-brace broke 
in two places, weakening the vessel so that her fate was apparent to all. 
Soldiers and sailors worked away with a frantic energy born by the fear 
of death, and succeeded in bracing up the timbers, so as to avoid, for a time, 
the breaking-up. Soon after, a heavy roll of the vessel broke the smoke- 
stack, and It was pitched overboard. Luckily it broke some 'three feet 
above the deck, so that the fires could still be kept up. Then the steam- 
pipe burst ; and with this accident the fate of all on board seemed sealed, 
for they no longer could keep the vessel's head to the waves, and the great 
seas came rolling over her, sweeping her decks of every thing movable. 
They began sending up rockets, and, after some time of anxious waitmg, 
saw an answerins; sisrnal : so that, through the remainder of that fearful 



122 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



night, the men on the doomed ship felt that, whatever might occur, they 
had friends at hand. The night was spent in toil at the pumps ; and in 
the morning a faint cheer went up as two vessels were seen, ready to lend 
assistance. A signal of distress, quickly hoisted, was answered from the 
nearer, which proved to be the "Isaac P. Smith." The "Smith" sent off 
a boat and made fast a hawser to the wreck, and took her in tow; but in a 
few minutes the hawser parted. It became clear that the men must 
be taken off the sinking ship ; but how to do it, was the question. By this 
time a second ship, the "Young Rover," had arrived to assist in the rescue. 
A second cable was put aboard ; but this, too, parted. Hope seemed lost, 
when the lookout reported a third ship, the frigate "Sabine," coming to 
the rescue. The " Sabine " came tcS anchor, and sent a hawser aboard 
the sinking "Governor." Then the hawser was gradually taken in until the 
two ships lay close together, stern to stern. Spars were rigged over the 
stern of the frigate, and some thirty men swung over the seething waters 
to safety. Then the two vessels came together with a crash, and about 
forty men sprang from the sinking ship to the deck of the frigate. But 
the damage done by the collision was so great that it was deemed prudent 
to slack up the hawser and let the "Governor" drop astern again. Those 
on board busied themselves throwing overboard all things movable, with 
the intention of lightening the vessel. After some hours of suspense, the 
work of getting the men off the sinking craft was recommenced, and boats 
were sent to their assistance. The sea was running too high for them to 
approach close to the steamer's guards, so they lay off some feet, and the 
soldiers jumped into them. It was a perilous leap, with the boats pitching 
one way, and the ship another, and a raging sea of tossing waters between ; 
but it was made bravely by every man, and but seven or eight were lost. 
Soon after the last man left the " Governor," she lurched to one side and 
sank, carrying with her the arms and ammunition of the troops she was 
transporting. 

It was on Monday morning, Nov. 4, that the flag-ship "Wabash" cast 
anchor off Port Royal. In the offing were a few more sail headed for 
the same point, and during the day some twenty-five vessels of. the scattered 



BLUE-JACKETS OE '6i. 



squadron came up. For the next day ships were constantly arriving;, and 
by Tuesday night the whole squadron lay safely anchored in the broad 
harbor. 

The defences which the Confederates had erected ujion Milton Head, 
a lofty bluff overlooking the harbor, were powerfully designed earthworks, 
poorly armed and manned. The forts were two in number, placed on a 
commanding elevation, and might have been made impregnable had the 
Confederates taken advantage of the warning sent them by their spies 
in Washington. Fort Walker had fourteen guns which could bear on 
an attacking fleet, and Fort Beauregard had twenty. When the fight 
began, the gunners found that most of their ammunition was either too 
large or too small for the guns. To support the forts in their fight, was 
a wretched little fleet of tugs and schooners, mounting a gun or two each, 
but absolutely powerless before the smallest of Du Font's ships-of-war. 
Indeed, when the battle began, the Union navy gave its undivided attention 
to the forts, and did not even give battle to Tatnall's mosquito fleet. 

Thursday morning dawned bright and mild as a morning in June. 
The shores of the beautiful bay were covered with woods, out of which 
rung the clear notes of Southern song-birds. The scene from the ships was 
one of the most charming imaginable. The placid bay, the lu.xuriant 
shores, the ocean showing across the low-lying ridge of white sand, the 
forts frowning from the steep headland, the fleet of majestic frigates 
mustered for the attack, and in the distance the flotilla of defenceless 
transports, safely out of range, their decks and rigging crowded with fifteen 
thousand men — all this presented a panorama of life and beaut)' which 
few eyes have ever beheld. 

Du Pont, in the majestic "Wabash," moved down the ba\-, and, as he 
came in range of Fort Walker, sent a shell shrieking from a bow-gun, as 
signal that the action was begun. The old frigate mo\'ed on slowly, making 
play with the bow-guns until abreast of the fort, when with a crash she 
let fly her wdiole broadside. On she went for a few yards, then turning 
in a grand circle came back, giving the other broadsiile to the forts as she 
passed. The other ships fell in behind ; and round and round before the 



124 



BLUK-JACKETS OF '61. 



forts the fiery circle revolved, spitting out fire and ponderous iron bolts, 
and making the peaceful shores of the bay tremble with the deep reverbera- 
tions of the cannon. 

The Confederates, for their part, went into the action with the utmost 
coolness. They had been assured that their position was impregnable, and 




THE OPENING GUN. 



had been cautioned to be deliberate and determined in their defence. For 
a time their artillery service was admirable. But soon they found certain 
discouraging features about the affair. Their guns were too light to have 
any effect on the fleet, and their powder was of such bad quality that 
many of their shots fell short. Two great guns dismounted themselves, 




^ 





THK llOin AT HILTON HKAD. 



BLUF.-JACKETS OK '6i. 



seriously injuring the men who were handling them, and the very first 
broadside from the fleet dismounted several more. Then it was found that 
the shells for the great Parrott guns were too large, and that the shells 
from other cannon failed to explode, owing to defective fuses. Soon the 
fleet found a point of fire from which it could enfilade the forts, and there- 
after a perfect hail of shell and grape-shot fell in the trenches. One shell 
disabled eleven men. A solid shot struck a gun thought to be perfectly 
protected, and hurled it, with the men serving it, over the parapet. Every 
twenty minutes a gun was dismounted in Fort Walker, and at the end of 
the conflict Fort Beauregard had but nine serviceable guns. 

For about four hours there was no cessation of fire on the part of the 
fleet. Round and round the circle the vessels steamed, giving one fort 
a broadside on the way up, and the other a broadside on the way down. 
The bombs rose from them in a majestic sweep through the air, and 
plunged into the fort, exploding with a roar equal to that of a cannon. 
One ship was commanded by Capt. Drayton, who rained shot and shell 
mercilessly against the forts, although one of them was in command of 
his own brother. 

At half-past one Fort Walker was found untenable, and the work of 
abandoning it was begun. The evacuation was completed in great haste, 
many valuables were left behind, and not even the guns were spiked. Still 
the entire garrison escaped to mainland, although the Federals had three 
thousand troops who might have made them all prisoners. Not long 
thereafter, Fort Beauregard also ^-ielded to fate, and the day was won by 
the Federals. 

The landing of the troops was at once begun. Thirty large boats 
bore a Connecticut regiment of one thousand men to the beach. Their 
bright, fresh uniforms, their muskets glittering in the sun, and their 
regular, swaying stride as they marched up the sandy beach to the martial 
strains of the regimental band, made a striking picture. They clambered 
over the ramparts, and in a few moments the stars and stripes floated 
from the staff which had but lately upheld the flag of the young Con- 
federacy. Within the forts, all was carnage and confusion : dismounteil 



128 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



cannon, surrounded by the dead bodies of the gunners, heaps of shells, 
and fragments of wood-work, were piled about the parade-ground and 
in the trenches. The story of the terrific bombardment was graphically 
told by those horrible evidences of death and destruction. And well 
might the scene be a horrible one. For over five hours, fifty shot a minute 
had been discharged at the forts, and most of them did execution. When 
one recollects that each shot of the great guns cost eight dollars, we get 
a vivid idea of the money spent in war. 

Immediately upon the capture of Hilton Head, the victors began 
making it a great naval and military station. Great storehouses were 
built, wharves constructed, and vast intrenchments thrown up for the 
defence of the spot. The slaves, escaping from the neighboring planta- 
tions, came in droves, begging to be allowed to work ; but they received 
but a cold welcome, for they were still looked upon as property, and the 
officers did not wish to be charged with enticing them away from their 
masters. 

The news of the occui^ation of Hilton Head by the Northern armies 
caused the greatest consternation in the cities of Charleston and Savannah. 
From both places people fled into the interior, expecting an immediate 
advance of the Union troops. But the armies were set to digging, not 
to marching, and soon the affrighted citizens returned to their homes. 
Port Royal was held by the Northern forces until the end of the war, and 
proved of great value for the proper maintenance of the blockade. Its 
greatest disadvantage was its unhealthiness. Of fifteen thousand men 
landed there in November, five thousand were on the sick-list within a 
month. 



J. 




CHAPTER IX. 



THE FIRST IRON-CLAD VESSELS IN HISTORY. — THE "MERRIMAC" SINKS THE " CTMIIERLAND," 
AND DESTROYS THE " CONGRESS."— DUEL BETWEEN THE " MONITOR " AND " MF.KRIM.iC." 




T will be remembered that when the Union forces, alarmed by the 
threatening attitude of the inhabitants of Norfolk and the vicinity, 
fled from the Norfolk navy-yard, leaving every thing there in flames, 
they left behind them a fine United States frigate, " Merrimac," a 
ship of thirty-five hundred tons, carrying forty guns. The departing Feder- 
als did their work of destruction fairly well ; for the great ship was burnt to 
the upper edge of her copper sheathing, and sank to the bottom of the river. 
Three or four months after the occupation of the Norfolk navy-yard by the 
Confederates, Lieut. George M. Brooke, an e.v-officer of the United States 
navy, who had resigned that he might follow the fortunes of his State, while 
looking at the hulk lying in the river-channel, was suddenly inspired with 
the thought that she might be raised and converted into a formidable vessel- 
of-war. He carefully matured his plans, and after due consideration pro- 
posed to the Confederate secretary of the navy, that the " Merrimac " be 
raised and converted into an iron-clad. His plans were ajjproved, and orders 
were given that they should be carried out. The "Merrimac," as originally 
built, was one of the grand old types of war-vessels. Her solid oak sides 
rose high above the water, and were pierced by a long row of gaping ])ort- 

129 



I^O BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



holes. Her masts towered high in the air ; and when her great sails were 
set, her hidl seemed crushed beneath so vast an expanse of canvas. When 
she had been remodelled, her entire appearance was changed. She had no 
longer the appearance of a ship, but seemed like a house afloat ; and tradi- 
tion says that the old salt on the " Cumberland," who first sighted her, re- 
ported gravely to the officer of the deck, "Quaker meetin'-house floating 
down the bay, sir." 

When the hulk had been raised and placed in the dry-dock, the first thing 
done was to cut it down to the level of the berth-deck ; that is, to the level 
of the deck below the gun-deck in the old rig. Then both ends of the ship 
were decked over for a distance of seventy feet ; while the midship section 
was covered by a sort of roof, or pent-house, one hundred and seventy feet 
long, and extending about seven feet above the gun-deck. This roof was of 
pitch pine and oak, twenty-four inches thick, and covered with iron plates 
two inches thick. The upper part of the roof, being flat, was railed in, mak- 
ing a kind of promenade deck. In the great chamber formed by this roof 
were mounted ten guns, two of which, the bow and stern guns, were seven- 
inch rifles, and fairly powerful guns for those days. A strange feature of 
this ship, and one that was not discovered until she was launched, was that 
the weight of the iron-plating and the heavy guns she carried sunk her so 
deep in the water that the low deck forward and aft of the gun-room was 
always under water ; so much so that the commander of another ship in the 
Confederate navy writes that he was obliged always to give the "Merrimac" 
a wide berth, lest he should run his ship on some part of the ram which lay 
unseen beneath the surface of the water. Powerful as this ship was, she had 
some serious defects. The greatest of these were her engines. They were 
the same that had been in her as a United States vessel, and had been con- 
demned by a naval board as very defective. Naturally several weeks under 
water had not improved them ; but the Confederates could not be particular 
about machinery just then, and the old engines were left in the new ram. 
It was quickly found that they could not be depended upon more than si.x 
hours at a time ; and one of the ship's officers, in writing years afterwards, 
remarks, " A more ill-contrived or unreliable pair of engines could only have 



Mi.ri:-j.\cKi:is oi-- Yh. 131 

been found in some vessels of the United States navy." The second faulty 
feature about the "JMerrimac" was that her rudtler and propeller were 
entirely unprotected. The ram which was so much dreaded, and which 
made the " Merrimac " a forerunner of a new class of war-vessels, was of 
cast-iron, projecting four feet, ami so badly secured that it was loosened 
in ramming the " Cumberland," and startctl a bad leak in the Confederate 
ship. 

When this formidable vessel was completed, she was christened by her 
new owners the "Virginia;" but the name of the oUl United States frigate 
of which she was built stuck to her, and she has ever since been known as 
the "Merrimac," and so we shall speak of her in this narrative. She 
received as commander Commodore l'"ranklin Buchanan, an e.\-Union 
officer of ability and daring, to whom the cadets of the naval academy 
at Annapolis owe the beautiful situation of the academy, ami many of 
its admirable features; for he it was, who, in 1845, uiuler a eonnnission 
from Mr. Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, organized and located the naval 
academy, and launched that institution ujjon its successful career. Of 
officers the "Merrimac" had no lack, and good ones they were; but in her 
crew she was lamentably deficient. Most of the crew was made up of 
men from the army, who knew nothing of seamanship, but who could at 
any rate fire a gun. A few good sailors were obtained from those who 
escaped to Norfolk after the destruction of the Confederate flotilla at 
Elizabeth City by Commodore Goldsborough. They had but little chance 
for drills and e.xcrcise on the new ship, for up to the very hour of sailing 
she was crowded with workmen getting her ready for the task of breaking 
down the Yankee blockade. When she finally set out to do battle for the 
South, she was a new and untried ship : not a gun had been fired, and 
hardly a revolution of her engines had been made. And so she started 
down the river on her trial trip, but intending, nevertheless, to do battle 
with the strongest ships of the United States navy. Accompanying her 
were four small Confederate gunboats, — the " Beaufort," the " Yorktown," 
the "Jamestown," and the "Teaser." Soon rounding out into Hampton 
Roads, the little squadron caught sight of the Northern fleet at anchor, and 



i-\2 BLUE-TACK Kl"S OF 'ci. 



made lor tiiem. An officer on the "Congress" thus tells the story of the 
events that followed : — 

"The Sth of March was a fine mild day, such as is common in Southern 
Virginia during the early spring ; and every one on bo.ud our sliip was 
enjoying the weather, and pleasing himself with the prospect of going- 
North in a day or two at farthest, and being relieved from the monotony 
of a blockade at anchor. Some of us were pacing the poop, basking 
in the sun, and watching the gulls, which here, as all over the world, 
wherever a man-of-war is anchored, manage to find out when it is dinner- 
time, appearing regularly when the mess-tins are being washed, and the 
cooks are taking the buckets of broken victuals to the head to throw over- 
board. Then they chatter and scream, and fight for the remnants as they 
drift astern, until all is consumed, when they betake themselves to fresh 
fields out of sight until we pipe to dinner again 

" One bell had struck some time, when the attention of the quarter- 
master on watch was drawn to an unusual appearance against the fringe 
of woods away over in the Norfolk Channel. After gazing intently some 
time, he approached the officer of the deck, and presenting him the glass 
said, ' I believe //itif thing is a-comin' down at last, sir." 

" Sure enough ! There was a huge black roof, with a smokestack emer- 
ging from it, creeping down towards Sewall's Point. Throe or four satel- 
lites, in the shape of small steamers and tugs, surrounded and preceded 
her. Owing to the intervening land, they could not be seen from Hampton 
Roads until some time after we had nnule them out ; but, when they did 
show themselves clear of the point, there was a great stir among the 
shipping. But they turned up into the James River channel instead of 
down toward the fort, approaching our anchorage with ominous silence and 
deliberation. 

"The officers wore bv this time all gathered on the poop, looking at 
the strange craft, and hazarding all sorts of conjectures about her; and 
when it was plain that she was coming to attack us, or to force the passage, 
we boat to quarters, the " Cumberland's " drum answering ours. 

" By a little after four bells, or two o'clock, the strange monster was 



i!i,ri;-j.\(Ki:is oi' •(,,. 



close C'n()li;^ll for iis lo make out 1il-|- plal in;; ainl pMils; aii'l ua; liii-i| hi-i 
witli a soliil shot from one oi oin' .sl(jrn-;.',uns, Iho proji^i lilc jflantin;^ oil 
liiT forwaiil casemate like a drop of vvalcc from a diick'.s iiack. 'i'liis 
opened oiu' e\'es. Inslanlly slie- llirevv aside tlie sei'(,'en lioui one- of Ik.-I' 
forward polls, an<l answered ns will) i^'rape, killin;^ and wonndin;/ ipiile 
a number. She then passed us, receiving our broadside and givinj^- one 
ill return, at a distance of less than two hundred yards. Our shot had 
aiiparently no effect upon her, ])ut the result ol her broadside on our 
ship was simply terrible. One of her shells dismounted an ei;^ht-in<:h 
},Miii, and either killed or wounded every one of the gun's cre-w, while the 
slaughter at the other guns was fearful. There were coinjKiralively few 
wounded, the fragments of the huge shells she threw killing outright as 
a general thing, (jur clean and handsome gun-deck was in an mslanl 
changed into a slaughter-pen, with lopped-oll legs and arms, and bleeding, 
blackened bodies, scattered about by the shells; while blood and brains 
actually dripped from the beams. One poor fellow had his chest Ir.insli.xed 
by a splinter of oak as thick as the wrist ; but the shell-wounds were even 
worse. The quartermaster, who had first discovered the approach of the 
iron-clad, — an old man-of-war's man, named John I.eroy, — was taken below 
with both legs off. The gallant fellow died in a few minules, but clieeic-'l 
and exhorted the men to stand by the shij), almost with Ids last breath. 
The 'Merrimac' had, in the mean time, j)assed up stream; and our poor 
fellows, thinking she had had enough of it, and was for getting awa)', 
actually began to cheer. l'"or many of them it was the last cheer they 
were ever to give. We soon saw what her object was; for standing iq) 
abreast of the bow of the ' Cumberland,' and putting her helm ajjort, she 
ran her ram right into that vessel. The gallant frigate kci>t up her splen- 
did and deliberate, but ineffectual, fire, until she filled and sank, which 
she did in a very few minules. A small freight-steamer of the f|uarter- 
master's department, and some tugs and boats from the cam])-wharf, jnit 
.off to rescue the survivons, who were forced to jump overboard. In spite 
of shot from the Confederate gunboats, one of which pierced the boiler of 
the freight-boat, they succeeded in saving the greater number of those 



134 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



who were in the water. Seeing the fate of the 'Cumberland,' which sank 
in very deep water, we set our topsails and jib, and slipped the chains, 
under a sharp fire from the gunboats, which killed and wounded many. 
With the help of the sails, and the tug 'Zouave,' the ship was now run 
on the flats which make off from Newport News Point. Here the vessel 
keeled over as the tide continued to fall, leaving us only two guns which 
could be fought, — those in the stern ports. Two large steam-frigates and 
a sailing-frigate, towed by tugs, had started up from Hampton Roads to 
our assistance. They all got aground before they had achieved half the 
distance ; and it was fortunate that they did so, for they would probably 
have met the fate of the ' Cumberland,' in which case the lives of the 
twelve or thirteen hundred men comprising their crews would have been 
uselessly jeopardized. 

"After the ' Merrimac ' had sunk the 'Cumberland,' she came down 
the channel and attacked us again. Taking up a position about one 
hundred and fifty yards astern of us, she deliberately raked us with eighty- 
pounder shell ; while the steamers we had so long kept up the river, -and 
those which had come out with the iron-clad from Norfolk, all concentrated 
the fire of their small rifled guns upon us. At this time we lost two 
officers, both elderly men. One was an acting master, who was killed on the 
quarter-deck by a small rifle-bolt which struck him between the shoulders, . 
and went right through him. The other was our old coast pilot, who was 
mortally wounded by a fragment of shell. We kept up as strong a fire as 
we could from our two stern-guns ; but the men were repeatedly swept 
away from them, and at last both pieces were disabled, one having the 
muzzle knocked off, and the other being dismounted. Rifles and carbines 
were also used by some of our people to try to pick off the ' Merrimac's ' 
crew when her ports were opened to fire, but of course the effect of the 
small-arms was not apparent to us. 

" It is useless to attempt to describe the condition of our decks by this 
time. No one who has not seen it can appreciate the effect of such a fire 
in a confined space. Men were being killed and maimed every minute, 
those faring best whose duty kept them on the spar deck. Just before 



HIA K-IACKKIS OF '6i. 



our stern-guns were disabled, there were repeated calls for powder from 
them ; and, none appearing, I took a look on the berth-deck to learn the 
cause. After my eyes had become a little accustomed to the darkness, 
and the sharp smoke from burning oak, I saw that the line of cooks and 
wardroom servants stationed to pass full boxes had been raked by a shell, 
and the whole of them either killed or wounded, — a sufficient reason why 
there was a delay with the powder. (I may mention here that the officer 
who commanded our powder division was a brother of the captain of the 
' Merrimac.') The shells searched the vessel everywhere. A man pre- 
viously wounded was killed in the cock-pit where he iiad been taken for 
surgical aid. The deck of the cock-pit had to be kept sluiced with water 
from the pumps, to extinguish the fire from the shells, although dreadfully 
wounded men were lying on this deck, and the water was icy cold ; but 
the shell-room hatch opened out of the cock-pit, and fire must be kept out 
of there at all hazards, or the whole of us would go into the air together. 
In the wardroom and steerage, the bulkheads were all knocked down by 
the shells, and by the a.xe-men making way for the hose, forming a scene of 
perfect ruin and desolation. Clothing, books, glass, china, photographs, 
chairs, bedding, and tables were all mixed in one confused heap. Some 
time before this, our commanding officer, a fine young man, had been 
instantly killed by a fragment of shell which struck him in the chest. 
His watch, and one of his shoulder-straps (the other being gone), were 
afterwards sent safely to his father, a veteran naval officer. 

"We had now borne this fire for nearly an hour, and there was no 
prospect of assistance from any quarter, while we were being slaughtered 
without being able to return a shot. Seeing this, the officer who had 
succeeded to the command of the ship, upon consultation with our former 
captain (who was on board as a guest), ordered our flag to be struck. It is 
not a pleasant thing to have to strike your flag ; but I did not see then, and 
do not see now, what else we were to do. 

"A boat now boarded us with an officer from the 'Merrimac,' who said 
he would take charge of the ship. He did nothing, however, but gaze 
about a little, and pick up a carbine and cutlass, — I presume as trophies. 



'36 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

One of the small gunboats then came alongside, and the officer from the 
'Merrimac' left. The commander of the gunboat said that we must get 
out of the ship at once, as he had orders to burn her. Some of our 
people went on board of his craft as prisoners, but not many. As her 
upper deck was about even with our main-deck ports, our surgeon stepped 
out of one, and told the commanding officer that we had some dreadfully 
wounded men, and that we must have time to collect them, and place them 
on board his vessel, and, moreover, that our ship was on fire with no 
possibility of saving her. The reply was, ' You must make haste : those 
scoundrels on shore are firing at me now.' In fact, the rifle-balls were 
' pinging ' about very briskly, scarring the rusty black sides of the poor old 
frigate ; for the Twentieth Indiana Regiment had come down from the 
camp to the point, and opened fire on the gunboat as she lay alongside of 
us. Our doctor having no desire to be killed, especially by our own 
people, jumped back into the port, just as the steamer, finding it too hot, 
shoved off and left us. As soon as she did so, they all opened upon us 
again ; although we had a white flag flying to show we were out of action, 
and we certainly could not be held responsible for the action of the regi- 
ment on shore. After ten or fifteen minutes, however, they all withdrew, 
and went down the channel, to bestow their attentions upon the frigate 
•Minnesota' which was hard aground. Fortunately the 'Merrimac' drew 
too much water to come near the 'Minnesota' at that stage of tide, and 
the small-fry were soon driyen off by the latter ship's battery. Night now 
approaching, the whole Rebel flotilla withdrew, and proceeded up the 
Norfolk Channel. 

"Although relieved from the pressure of actual battle, we still had the 
unpleasant consciousness that the fire was making progress in the vicinity 
of our after-magazine ; and we felt as I suppose men would feci who are 
walking in the crater of a volcano on the verge of eruption. Fortunately 
for us, the 'Merrimac' and her consorts had not fired much at our upper 
works and spars, the principal damage being inflicted upon our lower decks. 
We had, therefore, the launch and first cutter, — large boats, — which, with 
a little stuffing of shot-holes, were fit to carry us the short distance between 



BLUE-JACKEl'S Oh' '6i. 137 



our ship and the shore. The yard ami stay-tackles were i^ot up, and the 
boats put into the water, as soon as possible ; the fire i^aininL;', and the sun 
going down, in the mean time. 

" By successive boatloads the survivors were all landed ; the launch being 
brought up under the bill port, and the wounded, in cots, lowered into her 
by a whip from the fore yard, which was braced up for the purpose. This 
boat was nearly filled with water on her last trip, being a good deal dam- 
aged ; obliging some of the officers, who had stayed until the last, to jump 
overboard into the icy cold water, and lean their hands on the gunwale, so 
as to relieve the boat of a part of their weight. She grounded in water about 
waist-deep; and the soldiers from the camp waded out and assisted our men 
in bearing on shore, and to the log hospital of the Twentieth Indiana, those 
who were in cots. We had managed to get the body of our gallant young 
commander on shore in one of the cots, as a wounded man. The mass of 
the men were so 'gallied,' to use a sailor phrase, by the time the action was 
over, what with enduring so severe a fire without being able to resi>ond, and 
also with the knowledge that an explosion of the magazine might occur at 
any time, that I doubt whether they could have been induced to bring off a 
man whom they knew to be dead. The officers repeatedly went about the 
decks looking for wounded men ; and I firmly believe that all who were alive 
were brought off. Our poor old ship, deserted by all but the dead, buruetl 
till about midnight, when she blew up." 

The final destruction of the "Congress" must have been a most imposing 
spectacle. A member of the Confederate army, who was stationed in one 
of the batteries near the scene of action, thus describes it : " Night had 
come, mild and calm, refulgent with all the beauty of Southern skies in early 
spring. The moon, in her second quarter, was just rising over the rippling 
waters; but her silvery light was soon paled by the conflagration of the 'Con- 
gress,' whose lurid glare was reflected in the river. The burning frigate 
four miles away seemed very much nearer. As the flames crept up the rig- 
ging, every mast, spar, and rope glittered against the dark sky in dazzling 
lines of fire. The hull, aground upon the shoal, was i>lainly visible ; antl 
upon its black surface each j^ort-hole seemed the mouth of a fiery furnace. 



13S BLli:-[ACKErS OF '6r. 



For hours the flames raged, with hardly a perceptible change in the wondrous 
picture. At irregular intervals, loaded guns and shells, exploding as the 
flames reached them, sent forth their deep reverberations, re-echoed over 
and over from c\'cry headland of the bay. The masts and rigging were still 
standing, apparently intact, when about two o'clock in the morning a mon- 
strous sheet of flame rose from the vessel to an immense height. The ship 
was rent in twain by the tremendous flash. Blazing fragments seemed to 
fill the air; and, after a long interval, a deep, deafening report announced 
the explosion of the ship's powder-magazine. When the blinding glare had 
subsided, I supposed that every vestige of the vessel would have disap- 
peared; but apparently all the force of the explosion had been upward. The 
rigging had vanished entirely, but the hull seemed hardly shattered ; the 
only apparent change in it was that in two or three places, two or three of 
the port-holes had been blown into one great gap. It continued to burn 
until the brightness of its blaze was effaced by the morning sun." 

In the great drama of the first day's fight at Hampton Roads, the heroic 
part was played by the frigate "Cumberland." On the morning of that 
fateful 8th of March, she was swinging idly at her moorings, her boats float- 
ing at the boom, and her men lounging about the deck, never dreaming of 
the impending disaster. It was wash-day, and from the lower rigging of the 
ship hung garments drying in the sun. About noon the lookout saw a 
cloud of smoke, apparently coming down the river from Norfolk, and at once 
notified the officer of the deck. It was surmised that it might be the new 
and mysterious iron-clad " Merrimac," about which many rumors were cur- 
rent, but few facts known. Quickly the ship was set in trim for action, and 
the men sent to quarters. All the stern preparations for battle were made 
— the guns all shotted, the men in position, the magazines opened; shot, 
shell, cartridges, all in place; the powder-boys at their stations; swords, pis- 
tols, boarding-pikes, in the racks. Down in the cock-pit the surgeons spread 
out upon their tables the gleaming instruments, which made brave men 
shudder with the thought of what a few minutes would bring. 

The sailors prepared for the fight gayly, never doubting for a moment 
that victory would be on their side. So paltry had been the resistance 



15LUK-JACKETS OF '6i. 139 



that the Cnnfcderates liad hcretofurc been able to oppose to the Northern 
arms, by sea, that the blue-jackets felt that they had only to open a fight 
in order to win it. The officers were more serious. Rumors had reached 
them that the " ]\Ierrimac " was a most powerful vessel, destined to annihi- 
late the navy of the North ; and they looked on this first battle with the 
monster with many misgivings. Their fears were somewhat lessened by an 
article printed in the Norfolk papers, a few days previous, denouncing the 
" Merrimac" as a bungling bit of work, absolutely unseaworthy, and unable 
to stand against the powerful vessels of the North. As it turned out, how- 
ever, this article was published as a ruse to deceive the Northern authorities. 

The iron ship came steaming sullenly down the bay. The "Congress" 
was the first shij^ in range, and a puff of smoke from the " Merrimae's " 
bow-gun warned the crew of the frigate that danger was coming. All 
held their breath an instant, until, with a clatter antl whiz, a storm of 
grape-shot rattled against her sides, and whistled through the rigging. 
Then came a sigh of relief that it was no worse. When the enemy was 
within a C[uarter of a mile, the "Congress" let fly her whole broadside, 
and the crew crowded the ports to see the result. The great iron shot 
rattled off the mailed sides of the monster, like hailstones from a roof. 
Then came the return fire; and the "Congress" was riddled with shells, 
and her decks ran with blood. The "Merrimac" passed sullenly on. 

Now it was the turn of the "Cumberland." Her officers anil crew 
had seen the results of the fire of the "Congress," and, with sinking hearts, 
felt how hopeless was their own position. There was no chance for escape, 
for no wind filled the sails of the frigate. She lay helpless, awaiting the 
attack of the iron battery that bore down upon her, without firing a shot 
or opening a port. At a little past two the mailed frigate had approached 
the "Cumberland" within grape-shot distance. Fire was opened upon 
her with the heaviest guns ; and officers and men watched breathlessly 
the course of their shot, and cried aloud with rage, or groaned in despair, 
as they saw them fall harmlessly from the iron ship. Still tliey had no 
thought of surrender. The fire of the "Cumberland" was receivetl silently 
by the "Merrimac;" and she came straight on, her sharj) prow cutting 



I40 KLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 

viciously through the water, and pointed straight for her victim. A 
second broadside, at point-blank range, had no effect on her. One solid 
shot was seen to strike her armored sides, and, glancing upward, fly high 
into the air, as a baseball glances from the bat of the batsman ; then, 
falling, it struck the roof of the pilot-house, and fell harmlessly into the sea. 
In another instant the iron ram crashed into the side of the "Cumberland," 
cutting through oaken timbers, decks, and cabins. At the same time all 
the guns that could be brought to bear on the Northern frigate were 
discharged ; and shells^ crashed through her tinjbers, and exploded upon 
her decks, piling splinters, guns, gun-carriages, and men in one confused 
wreck. Had not the engines of the ram been reversed just before striking 
the frigate, her headway would have carried her clear to the opposite 
side of the doomed ship, and the "Cumberland," in sinking, would have 
carried her destroyer to the bottom with her. As it was, the " Merrimac," 
with a powerful wrench, drew out of the wreck she had made, loosening 
her iron prow, and springing a serious leak in the operation. She drew 
off a short distance, paused to examine the work she had done, and then, 
as if satisfied, started to complete the destruction of the "Congress." 

And well might the men of the " Merrimac" be satisfied with their hour's 
work. The " Cumberland " was a hopeless wreck, rapidly sinking. Her 
decks were bloodstained, and covered with dead men, and scattered arftis 
and legs, torn off by the exploding shells. And yet her brave crew stuck to 
their guns, and fought with cool valor, and without a vestige of confusion. 
They had had but a few moments to prepare for action ; and the long rows 
of clothes, drying in the rigging, told how peaceful had been their occupa- 
tion before the "Merrimac" appeared upon the scene. Yet now that the 
storm of battle had burst, and its issue was clearly against them, these men 
stood to their guns, although they could feel the deck sinking beneath them. 
Every man was at his post ; and even when the waters were pouring in on 
the gun-deck, the guns were loaded and fired. Indeed, the last shot was 
fired from a gun half buried in the waves. Then the grand old frigate set- 
tled down to the bottom, carrying half her crew with her, but keeping the 
stars and stripes still floating at the fore. 



KUJE-JACKETS OF '6i. 143 



The destruction of the "Cumberland" being completed, the " Alerrimac" 
steamed over to the "Congress." This frigate fought well an<l valorously, 
but was soon pounded into a helpless condition by the shells of the " Merri- 
mac," as shown by the story of her officer, already quoted. When a white 
flag, floating at her peak, told of surrender, the " Merrimac " left her to the 
attention of the smaller vessels in the Confederate flotilla, and set out to find 
further victims. But by this time the remainder of the Federal fleet had 
taken akirm, and fled into a safe position under the shelter of the Federal 
batteries on shore. The "Minnesota" only had been unfortunate in her 
attempted flight, and was aground on a bar near the scene of the fight. ]5ut 
now only two hours of daylight remained, and the tide was low, and still on 
the ebb. The heavy iron frigate could not get within effective distance 
of the "Minnesota," her crew were weary with a day's fighting, and so she 
turned away and headed up the river for Norfolk. 

In taking account of injuries on the ram that night, it was found that the 
injured numbered twenty-one ; many of whom had been shot while alongside 
the surrendered "Congress." Not an atom of damage was done to the 
interior of the vessel, and her armor showed hardly a trace of the terrible test 
through which it had passed. But nothing outside had escaped : the muz- 
zles of two guns had been shot off ; the ram was wrenched away in with- 
drawing from the "Cumberland ;" one anchor, the smoke-stack, steam-pipe, 
railings, flag-staff, boat-davitts — all were swept away as though a hugh mow- 
ing-machine had passed over the deck. But, so far as her fighting qualities 
were concerned, the " Merrimac " was as powerful as when she started out 
from Norfolk on that bright spring morning. 

It can easily be understood that the news of the engagement caused the 
most intense e.\citement throughout this country, and indeed throughout the 
whole world. In the South, all was rejoicing over this signal success of 
the Confederate ship. Bells were rung, and jubilees held, in all the 
Southern cities. An officer of the " Merrimac," who was despatched 
post-haste to Richmond with reports of the engagement, was met at 
every station by excited crowds, who demanded that he tell the story 
of the fight over and over again. At last the starving people of the Con- 



144 ■ BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i 



federacy saw the way clear for the sweeping away of the remorseless 
blockade. 

In the North, the excitement was that of fear. The people of seaboard 
cities imagined every moment the irresistible iron ship steaming into their 
harbors, and mowing down their buildings with her terrible shells. The 
Secretary of War said, at a hastily called cabinet meeting in Washington : 
"The 'Merrimac' will change the whole character of the war: she will 
destroy every naval \'essel ; she will lay all the seaboard cities under con- 
tribution. Not unlikely we may have a shell or cannon-ball from one of 
her guns, in the White House, before we leave this room." 

In this e.xcited state, wild with joy, or harassed with fear, the whole 
country went to sleep that March night, little dreaming that the morrow 
would change the whole face of the naval situation, and that even then a 
little untried vessel was steaming, unheralded, toward Hampton Roads, 
there to meet the dreaded " Merrimac," and save the remnants of the 
Federal fleet. Then no one knew of the " Monitor ; " but twenty-four hours 
later her name, and that of her inventor Ericsson, were household words in 
all the States of the Union and the Confederacy. 

Capt. John Ericsson was a Swedish engineer, residing in this country, 
who had won a name for himself by inventing the screw-propeller as a 
means of propulsion for steamships. He and a Connecticut capitalist, C. S. 
Bushnell by name, had ever since the opening of the war been trying to 
induce the Government to build some iron-clads after a pattern designed by 
Ericsson, and which afterwards became known as the "monitor" pattern. 
Their labors at Washington met with little success. After a long explana- 
tion of the plan before the wise authorities of the Naval Board, Capt. 
Ericsson was calmly dismissed with the remark, " It resembles nothing in 
the heavens above, or the earth beneath, or the waters under the earth. 
You can take it home, and worship it without violating any Commandment." 
Finally, however, leave was obtained to build a monitor for the Govern- 
ment, provided the builders would take all financial risks in case it proved 
a failure. So, with this grudging permission, the work of building the war- 
ship that was destined to save the Federal navy was begun. Work was 



rlue-jackp:ts of Ym. 145 



prosecuted night and day, and in one liundred days the vessel was ready 
for launching. Great was the discussion over her. Distinguished engineers 
predicted that she would never float; and many attended the launch expect- 
ing to see the vessel plunge from the ways to the bottom of the river, 
like a turtle from a log. So general was this opinion, that boats were 
in readiness to rescue her passengers if she went down. But Capt. 
Ericsson's plans were well laid. The great vessel glided with a graceful 
dip into the river, and floated at her cables buoyantly. She was a strange- 
looking craft. All that was to be seen of her above water was a low deck 
about a foot above the water, bearing in the centre a large round iron 
turret pierced with two great port-holes. Besides the turret, the smooth 
surface of the deck was broken by two other elevations, — a small iron pilot- 
house forward, made of iron plates about ten inches thick, and with iron 
sratinffs in front ; aft of the turret was a low smoke-stack. . Beneath the 
water-line this vessel had some strange features. Tiie upper part of 
her hull, forming the deck, projected beyond . her hull proper about four 
feet on every side. This projection was known as the " overhang," and 
was designed as a protection against rams. It was made of white oak and 
iron, and was impenetrable by any cannon of that day; although now, when 
steel rifled cannon are built that will send a ball through twenty inches of 
wrought iron, the original "Monitor" would be a very weak vessel. 

The turret in this little vessel, which held the two guns that she 
mounted, was so arranged as to revolve on a central pivot, thus enabling the 
gunners to keep their guns continually pointed at the enemy, whatever 
might be the position of the vessel. When the time for the first battle 
actually arrived, it was found that the turret would not revolve properly ; 
but in later ships of the same class this trouble was a\-oided. 

It was at two o'clock on the morning after the day on which the 
"Merrimac" had wrought such havoc among the ships of the North, that 
this queer-looking little vessel steamed into Hampton Roads. As the 
gray dawn began to break, she passed under the quarter of the " Min- 
nesota," and cast anchor. The tars on the great frigate looked curiously at 
the strange craft, and wondered if that insignificant " cheese-box on a 



T46 BLUE-JACKETS OF 6i. 

raft " was going to do battle with the dreaded " Alerriiiiae." Small hopes 
had they that their noble frigate would be saved by any such pygniy 
war-ship. 

In the mean time, the men of the " Merrimac " up at Norfolk were 
working energetically to prepare her for the destruction of the rest of the 
Union ships. Her ram was tightened in its place, her steering apparatus 
overhauled, and some changes made, and her rickety engine was patched 
up. At daybreak all was bustle as the ram prepared to move down on the 
Union f^eet. But just as she was about to start, her officers saw the queer 
craft l3'ing by the "Minnesota," which they at once knew to be the 
Ericsson '* Monitor." Her appearance was not very terrible ; but, neverthe- 
less, the Confederates felt that she had appeared at a most inopportune 
moment for them. Still they raised anchor, and started down the bay to 
meet their mysterious enemy. 

It was Sunday morning, and the sun rose in a cloudless blue sky. A 
light breeze stirred the surface of the water, and played lazily with the long 
streaming pennants of the men-of-war. The batteries on both sides of the 
liay were crowded with men waiting for the great naval battle of the day. 
Up at Norfolk a gay holiday party was embarking on steam-tugs, to accom- 
pany the Confederate ship and witness the total destruction of the Union 
fleet. No thought of defeat ever entered the minds of the proud believers 
in the new iron-clad of the Confederacy. 

At the first sign of life on board the "Merrimac," the "Monitor" began 
her preparations for the battle. In fifteen minutes she was in battle trim. 
The iron hatches were closed, the dead-light covers put on, and obstructions 
removed from the main deck, so as to present a smooth surface only twenty- 
four inches above the water, unbroken, save by the turret and pilot-house. 
In the pilot-house was Lieut. Worden, who was to command the "Monitor" 
in this her first battle. 

Leisurely the " Merrimac " came down the bay, followed by her attend- 
ant tugs ; and, as she came within range, she opened fire on the " Minnesota," 
which was still aground. The frigate responded with a might)- broadside, 
which, however, rattled off the mailed sides of the ram like so many peas. 



V. 

a 




^\ 



148 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



Clearly, every thing depended upon the "Monitor;" and that little craft 
steamed boldly out from behind the "Minnesota," and sent two huge iron 
balls, weighing one hundred and seventy pounds each, against the side of 
the "Merrimac." The shot produced no effect beyond showing the men 
of the " Merrimac " that they had met a foeman worthy of their steel. The 
" Merrimac " slowed up her engines, as though to survey the strange antago- 
nist thus braving her power. The "Monitor" soon came up, and a cautious 
fight began ; each vessel sailing round the other, advancing, backing, making 
quick dashes here and there, like two pugilists sparring for an opening. The 
two shots of the "Monitor" would come banging one after the other against 
the "iVIerrimac's " armor, like the ''one, two" of a skilled boxer. In this 
dancing battle the "Monitor" had an enormous advantage, on account of 
her size, greater speed, and the way in which she answered her helm. The 
"Merrimac " was like a huge hawk being chased and baited by a little spar- 
row. Her heavy broadsides found nothing to hit in the almost submerged 
hull of the " Monitor." When a ball struck the turret, it glanced off, unless 
striking fair in the centre, when it fell in fragments, doing no greater dam- 
age than to dent the iron plates, and sometimes knocking down the men at 
the guns inside. The first manoeuvre tried by the "Merrimac" was to run 
down her little antagonist ; and she did strike her with a force that dented 
the iron overhang of the "Monitor," and dashed the men in the " Merrimac " 
to the deck, with blood streaming from their nostrils. For a moment it 
seemed as though the " Monitor " must go under ; but gradually the terrible 
ram glanced off, and the little vessel, righting, sent again her terrible two 
shots at her enemy. In the action of the day before, shot and shell had 
beaten against the sides of the ram so rap'ully that one could not count the 
concussions. Now it was a series of tremendous blows about a minute apart ; 
and, if the men had not been working away at their guns, they could have 
heard the oak timbers splintering behind the iron plating. At a critical 
moment in the fight the " Merrimac " ran aground ; and the " Monitor " 
steamed around her several times, seeking for weak places in which to plant 
a shot. Once Worden dashed at his adversary's screw, hoping to disable it, 
but missed by perhaps two feet. Two shots from the "Monitor" struck the 




HANDLING A GUN. 



1^, 



BLUi';-jA(;Ki::r.s of d. 151 



muzzles of two cannon protruding from the port-holes of the " Merrimac," 
and broke them nif, throwing huge splinters of iron among the gunners 
inside. And so the battle continued until about noon : gun answered gun 
with thunderous reports, that echoed back from the batteries on shore in 
rolling reverberations. The i)leasure-sceking tugs from Norfolk had scut- 
tled back again out of the way of the great cannon-balls that were skipping 
along the water in every direction. Neither of the combatants had received 
any serious injury. On board the "Monitor" the only hurt was received by 
a gunner, who was leaning again.st the iron wall of the turret just as a shot 
struck outside; he was carried below, disabled. But at last one lucky shot 
fired from one of the disabled guns of the " Merrimac " ended this gigantic 
contest; sending each contestant to her moorings, without an actual victory 
for either side. This sh(jt struck full and fair against the gratings of the 
pilot-house, through which Lieut. Worden was looking as he directed the 
course of his ship. The concussion knocked him senseless. Flakes of irfin 
and powder were driven into his eyes and face, blinding him com[)Ietely for 
the time. He fell back from the wheel, and the "Monitor" was left for a 
moment without iier guiding spirit. .All was confusion ; but in a few mo- 
ments Worden recovered, and gave the order tcj sheer off. The " Monitor" 
then drew away, while Worden was moved to the cabin, and the second offi- 
cer sent to his station in the turret. Lying on a sofa in the cabin, his eyes 
bandaged, and the horror of life-long blindness upon him, Worden asked 
faintly, " Have I saved the ' Minnesota ' .' " — " Ves," answered the surgeon. 
"Then," said he, "I die happy." 

While these scenes were transpiring on the " .Monitor," the " Merrimac " 
lay quietly awaiting her return. The Confederate officers say that she 
waited an hour, and then, concluding that the " Afonitor " had abandoned 
the fight, withdrew to Norfolk. The Northern officers and historians say 
that the " Merrimac " was in full retreat when the decisive shot was fired. 
It is hard to decide, from such conflicting statements, to which side t&<,' 
victory belonged. Certain it is, that not a man on the "Merrimac " was 
injured, antl that all damages she sustained in the fight were remedicc^ 
before sunrise the next day. Later, as we shall see, she challenged t 




152 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



w^ 



Union fleet to a new battle, without response. But with all these facts 
in \'iew, it must be borne in mind that the purjjose of the " Merrimac," that 
bright March Sunday, was to destroy the frigate "Minnesota:" in that 
purpose she was foiled b\' the " Monitor," and to that extent at least 
.tjie "Monitor" was the victor. 

Lieut. Worden, after the fight, went directly to Washington. Presi- 
dent Lincoln was at a cabinet meeting when he heard of Worden's arrival 
in the city, and hastily rising said, " Gentlemen, I must go to ///at fc/Iozu." 
Worden was lying on a sofa, his head swathed in bandages, when the 
President entered. "Mr. President," said he, "you do me great honor 
by this visit." — "Sir," replied Mr. Lincoln, while the tears ran down his 
checks, " I am the one who is honored in this interview." 

Among his crew Worden was very much beloved. The following 
letter, sent him while on a bed of pain, is all the more touching for the 
rude form in which their affection for their commander is e.xpressed : — 

, TO CAPTAIN WORDEN. 

Hampton Roads, April 24, 1S62. 

United States Monitor. 

To OUR Dear and Honored Captain. 

Di'ar Sir. — These few lines is from your own crew of the Monitor, with their 
kindest Love to you their Honored Captain, hoping to Cod that they will have the 
pleasure of welcoming you back to us again soon, for we are all ready able and 
willing to meet Death or any thing else, only give us back our Captain again. Dear 
Captain, we have got your Pilot-house fixed and all ready for you when you get well 
again ; and we all sincerely hope that soon we will have the pleasure of welcoming 
you back to it. . . . We are waiting very patiently to engage our .Antagonist if we 
could only get a chance to do so. The last time she came out we all thought we 
would have the Pleasure of sinking her. But we all got disappointed, for we did not 
fire one shot, and the Norfolk papers says we are cowards in the Monitor — and all 
we want is a chance to show them where it lies with you for our Captain We can teach 
them who is cowards. But there is a great deal that we would like to write to you hut 
we think you will soon l)e with us again yourself. But we all join in with our kindest 
love to you, hojiing that Cod will restore you to us again and hoping that your suffer- 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 153 



ings is at an end now, nml wc are all so glad to hear that your eyesight will be spaired 
to you again. We would wish to write more to you if we have your kijid Permission 
to do so but at present we all con( hide by tendering to you our kindest Lo\e and 
affeetion, to our Dear ami H<jnored Captain. 

We remain initill Death )our Affectionate Crew 

THE MONITOR BOYS. 

The " Merrimac," after being repaired and altered to some e.xtent, 
sailed down the bay on the nth of April, for the purpose, as her officers 
said, of meeting the " Monitor " again. She steamed into the Roads, and 
exchanged a few shots with the Union batteries at the rip-raps ; but the 
" Monitor," and other Union vessels, remained below Fortress Monroe, 
in Chesapeake Bay, out of the reach of the Confederate vessel. Again, 
a few days later, the " Merrimac " went to Hampton Roads, and tried to 
lure the " Monitor " to battle ; but again the challenge passed unanswered. 
It is jirobable that the Federal naval authorities did not care to imperil 
the only vessel that stood between them and destruction, out of mere 
bravado. Had the "Monitor" come out, an attempt wotdd ha\'e been 
made to carry her by boarding. The crew of the " Merrimac " were 
prepared for the attack; and four gunboats accompanying her were crowded 
with men, divided into squads, each with its specified duty. Some were 
to try and wedge the turret, some were to cover the pilot-house and all 
the openings with tarpaulin, others were to try to throw shells and gun- 
powder down the smoke-stack. But all these preparations proved useless, 
as the "Monitor" still remained cjuietly at her anchorage. On May 8 a 
third trip was made by the "Merrimac." When she came down the bay, 
she found the Union fleet, including the "Monitor," hard at work shelling 
the Confederate batteries at Sewall's Point. As she came towards them, 
they ceased their cannonade, and retired again to the shelter of Fortress 
Monroe. The "Merrimac" steamed up and down the Roads for some 
hours ; and finally Commodore Tatnall, in deep disgust, ga\-e the order, 
"Mr. Jones, fire a gun to windward, and take the ship back to her buoy." 



154 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



Back to Norfolk she went, never again to leave that harbor. On the 
9th of May the officers of the " Merrimac " noticed that the Confederate 
flag was no longer floating over the shore-batteries. A reconnoissance 
jjroved that the land forces had abandoned Norfolk, and it was necessary 
to get the ship away before the Union troops arrived and hemmed her in. 
Her pilots declared that if the ship was lightened they could take her up 
the James River ; and accordingly all hands threw overboard ballast and 
trappings, until she was lightened three feet. Then the pilots claimed that 
with the prevalent wind they could not handle her. It was now useless to 
try to run her through the Union fleet, for the lightening process had 
exposed three feet of her unarmed hull to the fire of the enemy. It was 
accordingly determined that she should be destroyed. She was run ashore 
on Craney Island, and trains of powder laid all over her, and fired. Every 
gun was loaded, and the doors of the magazine were left open. Her crew 
then started on the march for the interior. It was just in the gray of the 
morning that a rumbling of the earth was felt, followed by a shock that 
made all stagger. A column of smoke and flame shot into the air; huge 
cannon were hurled high above the tree-tops, discharging in mitl-air. One 
shot fell in the woods some distance ahead of the marching crew, and all 
knew that it marked the end of the mighty " Merrimac." 





CHAPTER X 



THE NAVV IX THE IXLAN'Ii WATERS.— THE MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON. — SWEEPING THE 

TENNESSEE RIVER. 



^^ 


P# 




i 



E will now leave for a time the blue-water sailors, whose battles, 
triumphs, and defeats we have been considering, and look at the 
work done by the tars of both North and South on the great 
waterways which cut up the central portion of the United States, 
known as the Valley of the Mississippi. It was in this section that the 
navy of the North did some of its most effective work against the Con- 
federacy, and it was there that the sailor boys of the South did many deeds 
of the most desperate valor. There is much of romance about service on 
the blue ocean which is not to be found in routine duty along the yellow 
muddy streams that flowed through the territory claimed by King Cotton. 
The high, tapering masts, the yards squared and gracefully proportioned, 
the rigging taut, and with each rojie in its place, of an ocean-frigate, are not 
seen in the squat, box-like gunboats that dashed by the batteries at Vicks- 
burg, or hurled shot and shell at each other in the affair at Memphis. But 
Farragut, stanch old sea-dog as he was, did much of his grandest fighting 
on the turbid waters of the Mississippi ; and the work of the great fleet 
at Port Royal was fully equalled by Porter's mortar-boats below New 
Orleans. 



156 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 

Let us follow the fortunes of the Union fleet on their cruises about the 
great rivers of the interior, and first discover what the work was that they 
set out to perform. 

The rivers making up the Mississippi system flow for the greater part 
of their length through the States that had joined the new Confederacy. 
The northern Confederate battle-line was along the south bank of tlie 
Ohio River, and there they had erected batteries that controlled the 
passage of that river. South of the mouth of the Ohio, every river was 
lined with Confederate batteries, and bore on its placid bosom fleets of 
Confederate gunboats. At Columbus on the JVIississippi, not far south 
of the mouth of the Ohio, were strong batteries over which floated the stars 
and bars of the Confederacy. Farther down was Island Number 10, bear- 
ing one of the most powerful fortifications the world has ever seen. Then 
came Fort Pillow, guarding the city of Memphis ; then at Vicksburg 
frowned earthworks, bastions, and escarpments that rivalled Gibraltar for 
impregnabilitv. Lower down were fortifications at Grand Gulf, Port 
Hudson, and Baton Rouge. Fort Henry guarded the Tennessee I'liver, 
and Fort Donelson the Cumberland, and both of these rivers were very 
important as waterways for the transportation of supplies to the Union 
armies marching into Tennessee. It was absolutely necessary that all 
these fortifications should be swept away, and the rivers opened for naviga- 
tion down to the Gulf of Mexico. It was necessary that the work should 
be done from above ; for the forts below New Orleans were thought to be 
impassible, and Farragut's passage of them late in the war made all the 
world ring with his name. 

It became evident, very early in the war, that no great progress could 
be 'made in the task of crushing the powerful insurrection until telling 
blows had been struck at the Confederate control of the inland waterways. 
When the attention of the war department was turned in that direction, 
they found but little to encourage them in the prospect. Along the 
thousands of miles of the banks of the Mississippi and its tributaries, 
there was not one gun mounted belonging to the L^nited States, not 
one earthwork over which floated the starry flag of the Union. The 



BLUE-JACKKl'S OF '6i. 157 



Confederate positions on this great chain of waterways were, as we have 
seen, of great strengtii. To attack them, the armies tif the North nnrst tirst 
tight their way through whole States populated l)y enemies. ( )bviously, 
the war department alone could not complete so gigantic a task, and 
the services of the na\'y were called into requisition. So energetically 
did the navy department prosecute its task, that, by the end of the war, 
over one hundred Federal war-vessels floated on those streams, on which, 
three }'ears before, no craft dared sail under the iVmerican flag. It was 
a strange navy in looks, but in actions it showed itself worthy oi the 
service in which it was enlisted. 

Many of the steamers built for the river marine were wooden gunboats, 
hastily remodelled from the hulks of old craft. They were seldom plated 
with iron, and their machinery was feebly protected by coal bunkers, 
while their oaken sides were barely thick enough to stop a musket-ball. 
But the true iron-clad war-vessel made its appearance on the rivers even 
before it was to be seen in the ocean squadrons. 

It was as early in the war as July, 1861, that the quartermaster-general 
advertised for bids for the construction of iron-clad gunboats for service 
on the Mississippi and tributary rivers. The contract was given to James 
B. Eads, an engineer, who during the war performed much valuable service 
for the United States Government, and who in later )'ears has made 
himself a world-wide fame by the construction of the jetties at the mouth 
of the Mississippi River, by which the bar at the mouth of the great stream 
is swept away by the mighty rush of the pent-up waters. Mr. Eads was 
instructed to build seven iron-clad gunboats with all possible expedition. 
They were to be plated .two and a half inches thick, and, though of si.x 
hundred tons burden, were not to draw more than six feet of water. They 
were to carry thirteen heavy guns each. 

These river-gunboats, like the little "Monitor," had none of the grace 
and grandeur of the old style of sailing-frigate, in which Paul Jones fought 
so well for his country. The tapering masts of the mighty frigate, the 
spidery cordage by which the blue-jackets climbed to loosen the snowy- 
sheets of canvas — these gave way in the gunboat to a single slender 



'58 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



flagstaff for signalling, and two towering smoke-stacks anchored to tlie 

|t — ^ 




iiiiililiiiiiiiiii»'iiiiiii!''i'^^ 



deck by iieavy iron cables, and belching forth the black smoke from roaring- 
fires of pitch-jiine or soft coal. Instead of the gracefully curved black 



blup:-jackets of '6i. 159 



sides, with two rows of ports, from which peeped the muzzles of great 
cannon, the gunboat's sides al)ove water sloped like the roof of a house, 
and huge iron shutters hid the cannon from \iew. Inside, all was dark 
and stuffy, making battle-lanterns necessary even in daylight fights. The 
broad white gundeck, scrubbed to a gleaming white by hollystone and 
limejuice, on which the salt-water sailors gathered for their mess or diill, 
was replaced by a cramped room, with the roof hardly high enough to 
let the jolly tars skylark beneath without banging their skulls against 
some projecting beam. Truly it may be said, that, if the great civil war 
made naval architecture more powerful, it also robbed the war-\'essels 
of all their beauty. 

It is hard to appreciate now the immense difificulty experienced in 
getting those first seven river-gunboats built by the appointed time. The 
war had just begun, and a people accustomed to peace had not yet found 
out that those not actually at the seat of war could continue their usual 
course of life unmolested. Rolling-mills, machine-shops, founderies, saw- 
mills, and shipyards were all idle. Working-men were enlisting, or going 
to the Far West, away from the storm of war that was expected to sweep up 
the Mississippi Valley. The timber for the ships was still standing in the 
forests. The engines that were to drive the vessels against the enemy 
were yet to be built. Capt. Eads's contract called for the completion of the 
seven vessels in si.xty-five days, and he went at his work with a will. His 
success showed that not all the great services done for a nation in time of 
war come from the army or navy. Within two weeks four thousand men 
were at work getting the gunboats ready. Some were in Michigan felling 
timber, some in the founderies and machine-shops of Pittsburg, and others 
in the shipyards at St. Louis, where the hulls of the vessels were on the 
stocks. Day and night, week-days and Sundays, the work went on ; and in 
forty-five days the first vessel was completed, and christened the " St. 
Louis." The others followed within the appointed time. Before the 
autumn of 1861, the river navy of the United States numbered nearly a 
score of vessels, while nearly forty mortar-boats were in process of con- 
struction. Of this flotilla, Capt. A. H. Foote, an able naval ofificer, was 



i6o BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

put in command, and directed to co-operate witli the land forces in all 
movements. 

The first service to which the gunboats were assigned was mainly 
reconnoitring expeditions before the front of the advancing Union armies. 
They were stationed at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers ; 
and the country about Cairo was occupied by a large body of Union 
troops under the command of Gen. Grant, then a young officer little known. 
The opening fight of the river campaign was little more than a skirmish; 
but it proved the superiority of the gunboats over a land-force for the 
purpose of opening the river. One bright day in September, the " Lexing- 
ton " and " Concstoga " were ordered to proceed down the river eight or 
ten miles, and dislodge a Confederate battery that had taken a position on 
Lucas Point. The two vessels steamed cautiously down the stream, without 
encountering any resistance until within easy range of the battery, when 
the Confederates opened with sixteen cannon. The shot and shells fell all 
about the vessels ; but neither was hit, showing that the Confederate 
^ gunners were not yet used to firing at a moving mark. But the fire of the 
gunboats was admirably directed ; the shells falling among the Confederates, 
dismounting the guns, and driving the gunners fi'om their jmcccs. It was 
too hot a spot for any man to hold ; and a cavalry corps quickly attached 
their horses to the guns, and drew them down the river to the shelter of 
the Confederate works at Columbus. Then the defeated party sent up the 
gunboat "Yankee" to attack the two victors, but this vessel was quickly 
disposed of. She opened fire at long range, but without success. The first 
shot from the "Conestoga" struck the water a few feet from the "Yankee," 
and, ricochetting, plunged into her hull. The discomfited vessel imme- 
diately put about, and started down stream, followed by a hcaw fire from 
the two Northern ships. Just as she was passing out of range, an eight- 
inch shell from the "Lexington" struck her starboard wheel-house, and 
shattered the paddle-wheel, totally disabling the vessel, so that she drifted 
sidelong to her anchorage like a wounded duck. 

On the return of the Northern vessels up the river, they first encoun- 
tered the form of warfare that proved the most perilous lor the sailors of 



i!i.UE-j.\cKi';rs di' 'oi. 161 



the river navy. Confederate sharp-shooters lined the bani<s, perched in 
the trees, or hidden in the loni;', marshy grass ; and any unwary tar who 
showetl liis head above the bulwarks was made a target for several loiig 
rifles in the hands of practiscil shots. 

Tlie ne.xt acti\^e service performed by the gunboats was at the battle of 
Belmont, directly opposrte the Confederate batteries at Columbus. The 
Union troojjs, landing in force, had driven the Confederates from their 
cami), and were engaged in securing tlie spoils, when tlie gunners at 
Columbus, seeing that the camp was in the hands of the enem\', turned 
then' heavy guns on it, and soon drove out the Yankees. The Confederates 
had rallied in the woods, and now came pouring out, in the hojie of cutting 
off the Union retreat to the boats. On all sides the dark gray columns 
could be seen marching out of the wootls, aiul pouring down upon the 
retreating army of the North. 1-iatteries were wheeling into position, and 
staff-officers m travelling carnages were dashing to and fro carrying orders. 
It seemed a black day for the three or four thousand Unionists who were 
making for their transports with all possible speed. But now was the time 
for the gunboats to take a hand in the fight. Three of them dropped into 
position, and began a deadiv fire upon the Confederate line. The huge 
shells ploughed their way through whole platoons of men. Bursting, tliey 
would mow down soldiers like saplings before a cyclone. One shell 
exploded directly beneath an officers' carriage, and threw horses, carriage, 
and men high in the air. The Confeilerates hastened to get their field- 
batteries into position, and replied to the deaiUv fire from the sliips, but to 
no avail. Their light artillery was of no effect ujion the plated siiles of the 
gunboats, and thev saw their cannon dismounted or shattered by the solid 
shot from the big guns of the iron-elads. They fought bravel)', but the 
conflict was unequal. It was sheer madness for any body of men, with 
muskets and light artillery, to stand against the fire of the gunboats. The 
gunboats sa\'ed the day. The retreat of the Union army was unchecked ; 
and, covered by the war-vessels, the transports returned safely to Cairo. 

On the Tennessee River, near the northern boundary ol Tennessee, 
the Confederates had thrown up certain earthworks to which thev ga\e the 



1 62 BLUE-JACKETS OF Y,i. 



name of Fort Henry. This, with Fort Donelson, situated near by, formed 
the principal Confederate strongholds in Tennessee. Gen. Grant deter- 
mined to strike a heavy blow by capturing these two forts ; and Commodore 
Foote, with his seven gunboats, was ordered to co-operate with the land- 
forces in the e.xpedition. They started from Cairo on Feb. 2, 1862. 
When a few miles below the fort, the troops were landed and ordered 
to proceed up the back country, and attack the fort in the rear, while 
Foote should engage it from the river with his gunboats. While the 
troops were being landed. Gen. Grant boarded the " Esse.x," and went 
up the river to get a view of the fort they were about to attack. Had 
it been completed in accordance with the plans of the engineers, it would 
have been most formidable. Time, however, had been short, and the 
earthworks were far from being completed. There were many points 
on the river or on the opposite bank, from which a well-directed artillery 
fire would make them untenable. The Confederate commander, Gen. Tilgh- 
man, fully appreciated this fact, and, at the approach of the gunboats, 
had sent four-fifths of his garrison across the country to Fort Donelson, 
being determined to sacrifice as few men as possible in the defence of 
so untenable a position. While Grant and Foote were examining the works 
through their field-glasses, the sullen boom of a great gun came over the 
waters, and a heavy rifled shot crashed through the stateroom of Capt. 
Porter on the "Essex." The two commanders concluded that the Confed- 
erate gunners, though new to war, understood something of artillery practice ; 
and the " Essex " was accordingly taken down the river, out of range. 

The following night was chill and rainy ; and the Union forces, 
bivouacking on shore, grumbled loudly over their discomforts. The 
morning dawned dark ; but soon the sun came out, and the preparations 
for battle were begun. The troops were first despatched on their cross- 
country march ; and, as they departed. Commodore Foote remarked coolly, 
that his gunboats would have reduced the fort before the land forces came 
within five miles of it. This proved to be the fact. 

The gunboats formed in line of battle, and advanced up the river. 
The four iron-clads led, steaming abreast. About a mile in the rear, 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 163 



came the three wooden vessels. The fort was soon in range ; but both 
parties seemed anxious for a determined conflict, and no shot was fired 
on cither side as the gunboats came sullenly on. How different must 
have been the feelings of the two combatants ! Tilghman, with his handful 
of men, hardly able to work eight of the eleven guns mounted in his fort, 
and knowing that his defeat was a mere question of lime ; Foote, with 
his iron-clads and supporting gunboats, his seventy-two guns, and his 
knowledge that si.\ thousand men were marching upon the rear of the 
Confederate works. On the one side, all was absolute certainty of defeat ; 
on the other, calm confidence of victory. 

When the flotilla was within a third of a mile of the fort, the fire 
began. The gunners on the ships could see the muzzles of the Confederate 
guns, the piles of shells and cannon-balls, and the men at their work. The 
firing on both sides was deliberate and deadly. The Confederates were 
new to the work, but they proved themselves good marksmen. The first 
shot was fired from the shore, and, missing the " Esse.x " by but a few 
feet, plumped into the water, so near the next ship in line as to throw 
water over her decks. Within five minutes, the '• Essex " and the " Cincin- 
nati " were both hit. The armor of the gunboats proved no match for 
the shots of the Confederates, and in many cases it was penetrated. In 
some instances, shells, entering through the port-holes, did deadly damage. 

On the shore, the shells from the gunboats were doing terrible work. 
Banks of solid earth, eight feet thick, were blown away by the terrible 
explosions. One, bursting in front of a ten-inch columbiad, filled that 
powerful gun with mud almost to the muzzle, disabling it for the remainder 
of the fight. A shot from the "Essex" struck the muzzle of a great gun, 
ripped off a splinter of iron three feet long, and crushed a gunner to pulp. 
The gun was just about to be fired, and burst, killing ov wounding every 
man of the crew. At the same moment a shell crashed through the side 
of the " Essex," killing men right and left : took off the head of a sailor 
standing by Capt. Porter, woundetl the captain, and plunged into the 
boiler. In an instant the ship was filled with scalding steam. The men 
in the pilot-house were suffocated. Twenty men and officers were killed 



104 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

or scalded. The ship was disabled, and drifted out of the fij;iit. While 
withdrawing, she received two more shots, making twenty in all that had 
fallen to her share in this hot engagement. But by this time the fort was 
very thoroughly knocked to pieces. The big twenty-four pounder was 
dismounted, and five of its crew killed. Gun after gun was keeled over, 
and man after man carried bleeding to the bomb-proofs, until Gen. Tilgh- 
man himself dropped coat and sword, and pulled away at a gun by the 
side of his soldiers. Receiving ten shots while they could only fire one, 
this little band held out for two long hours ; and onlv when the crew 
of the last remaining piece threw themselves exhausted on the ground, did 
the flag come fluttering down. Gen. Tilghman went to the fleet and 
surrendered the fort to Commodore I'oote, and Grant's army came up more 
than an hour after the battle was over. To the nav\- belongs the honor 
of taking Fort Henry, while to Gen. Tilghman and his plucky soldiers 
belongs the honor of making one of the most desperate fights under the 
most unfavorable circumstances recorded in the history of the ci\'il war. 

The fall of Fort Henry opened the way for the Union advance to Fort 
Donelson, and marked the, first step of the United States Government 
toward regaining control of the Mississippi. It broke the northern battle- 
line of the Confederacy, and never again was that line re-established. 

With Fort Henry fallen, and Gen. Tilghman and his little garrison 
prisoners on the Union gunboats, Grant's soldier-bo}'s and Foote's blue- 
jackets began active preparations for continuing the concjuest of Tennessee 
by the capture of Fort Donelson. No time was lost. The very night that 
the stars and stripes were first hoisted over the bastion of Fort Henry saw 
three of Foote's gunboats steaming up the river on a reconnoitring expedi- 
tion. Before them the Confederates fled in every direction. After several 
hours' advance, they came to a heavy railroad-bridge spanning the river, 
and effectually preventing further progress. Beyond the bridge were 
several Confederate steamers, black with men, and heavily laden with 
valuable military stores. With all steam on, they were dashing up stream, 
and rapidly leaving the gunboats behintl. Fnraged at seeing such X'aluable 
prizes slipping through their hands, the Union gunners sent shell after 



BLL;i':-i.\rKi;rs oi- 7)1. 165 



shell shrieking; after the fl3'ing boats, but to no avail. A party was hastih- 
landed for the purpose of swinging the draw of the bridge, but found the 
machinery broken, and the ways on which the bridge swung twisted and 
bent out of shape. An hour's hard work with a.xes and crowbars, and 
the draw was swung far enough to let pass the " Conestoga " and the 
"Lexington." They dashed forwartl like greyhounds slipped from the 
leash ; and, after several hours' hard steaming, a smoke over the tree-tops 
told that the Confederate fugitives were not far ahead. Soon a bend in the 
river was passed: and there, within easy range, were two of the flv'ing 
steamers. A commotion was visible on board, and boat after boat was 
seen to put off, and make for the shore ; on reaching which the crews 
immediately plunged into the woods, and were out of sight before the 
gunboats could get within range. Soon light blue smoke curling from the 
windows of the steamers told that they had been fired ; and as the last 
boats left each vessel, she ceased her onward course, and driftetl, abandoned 
and helpless, down the stream. When within about a thousand yards of the 
. two gunboats, the deserted steamers blew up with such force, that, even at 
that great distance, the glass was shattereil in the " Conestoga," and her 
woodwork seriously damaged. 

The two gunboats leisurely continued their excursion into the heart of 
the enemy's country. Little or no danger was to be feared. At that time, 
the Confederates had not learned to plant torpedoes in their rivers, to 
blow the enemy's vessels into fragments. There was no artillery stationed 
in that section to check their progress, and the only resistance found was 
an occasional rifle-shot from some concealed sharp-shooter in the bushes 
on the shore. On the /th of February the gunboats reached Cerro 
Gordo, Tenn. ; and here they made a valuable capture. The Confederates 
had been at work for weeks converting the steamer " Eastport " into an 
iron-clad ram ; and, as the Union vessels came up, they found her almost 
comjileted, and absolutely without defence. Besides the new vessel, there 
was in the shipyard a large quantity of lumber and ship-timber, which was 
of the greatest value to the builders of the river navy. The two gun- 
boats promptly captured all this property; and waiting until the "Tyler," 



1 66 BLUE-JACKP:TS of '6i. 

which had been detained at the ch'awbridge, came up, tiiey left her in 
charge, and continued their raid into the enemy's country. Little incident 
occurred until they reached the head of navigation of the river, where 
they found all the Confederate vessels which had been flying before them 
for two days. These were burned, and the two gunboats started back down 
the river, stopping for the " Eastport " on the way. The captured vessel 
was afterwards completed, and served the cause of the Union for two years, 
when she was blown up on the Red River. 

When the raiding expedition reached Cairo, the officers found Foote 
getting his squadron together for the attack on Fort Donelson. This 
fortification was one strongly relied upon by the Confederates for the 
maintenance of their northern line of battle. It was on the l^ank of the 
Cumberland River, nearly opposite the site of Fort Henry on the Ten- 
nessee. A garrison of at least fifteen thousand men manned the works, 
and were commanded by no less than three generals ; and the fact that 
there were tJirec generals in command had much to do with the fall of the 
fort. Its strength was rather on its river-front. Here the river winds 
about between abrupt hillsides, and on the front of one of these hills stood 
Fort Donelson. The water-batteries were made up of heavy guns, so 
mounted as to command the river for miles. On the landward side were 
heavy earthworks, abatis, and sharp pointed clicvanx-dc-frise. 

Against this fortification marched Grant with an army of eighteen 
thousand men, and Foote with his flotilla of gunboats. The Sunday before 
the start, Foote, who was a descendant of the old Puritans, and ever as 
ready to pray as to fight, attended church in a little meeting-house at 
Cairo. The clergyman did not appear on time ; and the congregation 
waited, until many, growing weary, were leaving the church. Then the 
bluff old sailor rose in his pew, and, marching to the jiulpit, delivered a 
stirring sermon, offering thanks for the victories of the Union arms, and 
imploring divine aid in the coming struggles. The next day he was 
on his way to hurl shot and shell at the men in the trenches of Fort 
Donelson. 

While the capture of Fort Henry was a feather in the caps of the 



IJLL'E-IACKiyrS OF '6i. 167 



sailor-boys of the North, Fort Donelson must be credited to the valor of 
the soldiers. Against the heavy wall of the , water-batteries, the guns 
of Foote's little tldtilla pounded away in \ain, while the hea\y shells 
from the Confederate cannon did dreadful work on the thinly arnioied 
gunboats. It was on the 13th of Ajjril that the assaidt was opened by 
the " Carondelet." This vessel had reached the scene of action before the 
rest of the flotilla, and by order of the army commander tested the strength 
of the fort by a day's cannonade. She stationed herself about a mile 
from the batteries, at a spot where she would be somewhat protected by 
a jutting point, and began a deliberate cannonade with her bow-guns. One 
hundred and thirty shots went w'hizzing from her against the front of the 
Confederate batteries, without doing any serious damage. Then came an 
iron ball weighing one hundred and twenty pounds, fired from a heavy gun, 
which burst through one of her jiortholes, and scattered men bleeding and 
mangled in every direction over the gundeck. .She withdrew a short dis- 
tance for repairs, but soon returned, and continued the fire the remainder 
of the day. When ex'cning fell, she had sent one hundred and eighty 
shell at the fort, with the result of killing one man. This was not 
promising. 

The next day the attack was taken up by all the gunboats. The 
distance chosen this time was four hundred yards, and the fight was kei)t 
up most stubbornl)-. It was St. Walentine's Da\- : and as the swarthy 
sailors, stripped to the waist, and begrimed with powder, and stained with 
blood, rammed huge iron balls down the muzzles of the guns, they said 
with grim pleasantr}', '• There's a valentine for the gray-coats." And right 
speedily did the gray-coats return the gift. Shot and shell from the 
batteries came in volleys against the sides of the gunboats. In the fort 
the condition of affairs was not serious. The shells chiefly fell in the soft 
earth of the hilltop abo\'e, and embedded themselves harmlessly in the 
mud. One of the gunners after tlie tight said : " We were more bothered 
by flying mud than any thing else. A shell bursting up there would 
throw out great clots of clay, that blocked up the touch-holes of our guns, 
spoiled the priming of our shells, and plastered u\) the faces of our men. 



1 68 BLUE-JACK P:TS OF '6i. 

Of course, now and then a bit of shell would knock some poor fellow over ; 
but, though we were all green hands at war, we expected to see lots more 
blond and carnage than the Yankee gunboats dealt out to us." 

The gunboats, however, had put themselves in a hot place. Twent\- 
heavy guns on the hillside high above were hurling solid shot down on the 
little fleet. The sailors stuck to their work well ; and though the vessels 
were in a fair way of being riddled, they succeeded in driving the enemv 
from his lower battery. But the upper battery was impregnable ; and the 
gunners there, having got the correct range, were shooting with unpleasant 
precision. Two of the vessels were disabled by being struck in the 
steering-chains. On the "Carondelet" a piece burst, hurling its crew bleed- 
ing on the deck. No vessel escaped with less than twenty wounds, while 
the flag-ship was hit fifty-nine times. Commodore Foote was wounded in 
the foot by a heavy splinter; a wound from which he never fully recovered, 
and which finally led to his leaving the service. 

That afternoon's bombardment showed clearly that Fort Donelson could 
•never be taken by the navy. When Foote ordered his gunboats to cease 
firing and drop back out of position, the Confederates swarmed back 
into the lower battery that they had abandoned ; and, after a few hours' 
work, the fort was as strong as before the fight. It was the first case 
in the history of the war in which the navy had failed to reduce the 
fortifications against which it had been ordered. The Hatteras forts, the 
works at Roanoke Island and at Hilton Head, Fort Henry — all had fallen 
before the cannon of the Union sailors ; and Foote may well be pardoned 
if he yielded to Gen. Grant with great reluctance the honor of reducing 
Fort Donelson. For two days Grant's army invested the fort, and kept 
up a constant cannonade; then the defenders, despairing of escape, and 
seeing no use of further prolonging the defence, surrendered. 

The capture of Fort Donelson was an important success for the Union 
arms. In addition to the large number of prisoners, and the great quantity 
of munitions of war captured, the destruction of the fort left the Cumber- 
land River open to the passage of the Union gunboats, and the Confederate 
battle-line was moved back yet another point. But now was to come 



BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 169 



a most heroic test of the power of the river-navy and the army of the 
North. 

Some sixty miles below Cairn, the rushing, tawny current of the mighty 
Mississi])pi turns suddenly northward, sweeping back, apparently, toward 
its source, in a great bend eight or ten miles long. At the point where 
the swift current sweeps around the bend, is a low-lying island, about a 
mile long and half a mile wide. This is known as Island No. 10; and at 
the opening of the war. it was su]iposed to hold the key to the navigation 
of the Mississippi River. Here the Confederates had thrown up powerful 
earthworks, the heavy guns in which effectually commanded the river, both 
up and down stream. The works were protected against a land bombard- 
ment by the fact that the only tenable bit of land. New Madrid, was held 
by Confederate troops. The shores of the Mississippi about Island No. 
10 present the dreariest appearance imaginable. The Missouri shore 
is low and swampy. In 181 1 an earthquake-shock rent the land asunder. 
Great tracts were sunk beneath the water-level of the river. Trees were 
thrown down, and lie rotting in the black and miasmatic water. Other 
portions of the land were thrown up, rugged, and covered with rank 
vegetation, making hills that serve only as places of refuge for water- 
moccasons and other no.xious reptiles. Around this dreary waste of mud 
and water, the river rushes in an abrupt bend, making a peninsula ten miles 
long and three wide. Below this peninsula is New Madrid, a little village 
in the least settled part of Missouri ; here the Confederates had established 
an army-]X)St, and thrown uji strong intrenchments. It was not, however, 
upon the intrenchments that thev relied, but rather upon the impassable 
morasses by which they were surrounded on every side. In New Madrid 
were posted five or si.x thousand men ; a small fleet of Confederate gunboats 
lay in the stream off the village ; and higher up the river was Island No. 
10, with its frowning bastions and rows of heavy siege-guns, prepared to 
beat back all advances of the Union troops. 

In planning for the attack of this stronghold, the first difficulty found 
by Commodore Foote lay in the fact that his gunboats were above the 
batteries. In fighting down stream in that manner, the ships must be 



170 bluf:-jackets of '61. 

■kept at long range: for, should a shot from the enemy injure the engine 
or boiler of a gunboat, the vessel is doomed ; for the rapid current will rush 
her down under the enemy's guns, and her capture is certain. But the peril 
of running the batteries so as to carry on the fight from below seemed 
too great to be ventured upon ; and besides, even with Island No. lo 
passed, there would still be the batteries of New Madrid to cope with, and 
the gunboats of the Confederates to take the ships in the rear. So it was 
determined that the navy should begin a bombardment of the Confederate 
works, while the army under Gen. Pope should attend to New Madrid. 
Accordingly, on March 15, the whiz of a rifled shell from the flag-ship 
"Benton" announced to the Confederates that the North wanted the 
Mississippi opened for travel. 

In this engagement use was made for the first time of a new style of 
vessel known as mortar-boats, which in later conflicts on the rivers did 
great service. These boats were simple floats, heavily built, and calculated 
to stand the most terrible shocks. On the float was raised a sort of sheet- 
iron fort or wall, about five feet high ; and in the centre stood one thirteen- 
inch mortar. The mortar is the earliest of all forms of cannon, and was in 
use in Europe in 1435. Its name is derived from its resemblance to an 
ordinary druggist's mortar. The great thirteen-inch mortars used in the 
civil war weighed seventeen thousand pounds, and threw a shell thirteen 
inches in diameter. Thv;se shells were so heavy that it took two men to 
bring them up to the cannon's mouth. In the ri\-er-service, the mortar-boats 
were moored to the bank, and a derrick was set up in such a position that" 
the shells could be hoisted up, and let fall into the yawning iron pot below.' 
Foote had fourteen of these monsters pounding away at the Confederates, 
and the roar was deafening. 

A correspondent of the " Chicago Times," who was with the fleet at the 
time of the bombardment, thus describes the manner of using these im- 
mense cannon : "The operation of firing the mortars, which was conducted 
when" we were near by; is rather stunning. The charge is from fifteen to 
twenty-two pounds. The shell weighs two hundred and thirty pounds. 
For a familiar illustration, it is about the size of a large soup-plate. So 



# 



BLUK-JACKKTS OK '6i. 



your readers may imagine, when they sit down to dinner, the emotions they 
would experience if they hajjpened to see a ball of iron of those dimen- 
sions coming toward them at the rate of a thousand miles a minute. The 
boat is moored alongside the shore, so as to withstand the shock firmly, and 
the men go ashore when the mortar is fired. A jndl of the string does the 
work, and the whole vicinity is shaken with the concussion. The report 
is deafening, and the most enthusiastic person gets enough of it with two 
or three discharges. There is no sound from the shell at this point of 
observation, and no indication to mark the course it is taking ; but in a few 
seconds the attentive observer with a good glass will see the cloud of smoke 
that follows its explosion, and then the report comes back with a dull boom. 
If it has done execution, the enemy may be seen carrying off their killed 
and wounded." 

And so from mortar-boats and gunboats, the iron hail was poured upon 
the little island, but without effect. When Foote with his flotilla first 
opened fire, he thought that the Confederate works would be swept away 
in a day or two. His ordnance was the heaviest ever seen on the 
Mississippi, and in number his guns were enough to have battered down a 
mountain. But his days grew to weeks, and still the flag of the Con- 
federacy floated above Island No. lo. The men on the mortar-boats were 
giving way under the tremendous shocks of the explosions. Many were 
rendered deaf for days at a time. The jar of the explosions brought to 
the surface of the river hundreds of old logs and roots that had lain rotting 
in the soft ooze of the bottom. When all the mortars were engaged, the 
surface of the river was covered with foam and bubbles ; and men by th 
thousand went about with their ears stul'fed with tow, to protect them against 
the sound. Yet, after weeks of such firing. Gen. Beauregard telegraphed 
to Richmond, that the Yankees had "thrown three thousand shells, and 
burned fifty tons of gunpowder," without injuring his batteries in the least. 

The Confederates remained passive in their trenches. They had no 
guns that would carry far enough to reply to Foote's mortars, and they did 
not wish to waste powder. It was galling to stand fire without replying ; 
but, fortunately for them, the fire was not very deadly, and but few were 



e 



174 1-5LUP:-JACKETS of '6i. 



injured. When, however, a shell did fall within the works, it made work 
enough to repair damages, as by its explosion a hole as large as a small 
house would be torn in the ground. But for every one that fell within the 
batteries, twenty fell outside. Some strange freaks are recorded of the shells. 
One fell on a cannon, around which eight or ten men were lying. The gun- 
carriage was blown to pieces, but not a man was hurt. Another fell full 
on the head of a man who was walking about distributing rations, and not 
so much as a button from his uniform was ever found. 

But while the navy was thus playing at bowls with great guns, the 
army had marched through the interior, captured New Madrid, and 
obtained a foothold below Island No. lo. Thus the Confederates were 
surrounded ; and the very impassability of the land, that had been an 
advantage to them, now told against them, for it cut off all hope 
of re-enforcements. Gen. Pope's position was such that he could not get 
at the island, nor secure a commanding position, without aid Irom the navy. 
He begged Foote to try to run the batteries ; but the commodore replied, 
that the risk was greater than the prospective gain, and continued his 
cannonade. Then a new idea was broached. By cutting a canal through 
the bayous, swamps, and woods of the peninsula, the lighter vessels could 
be taken by the fort without risk, and Foote would then dare the dangers 
of a dash by in the gunboats. Every one said that such a canal was 
impossible ; but the men of the North were given to doing impossible 
things in those days, and while Foote's mortar-boats continued their 
thunder, fifteen hundred men were set to work cutting a way through the 
noisome swamps. A channel forty feet wide must be made. First gangs 
of men with axes and saws, working in three feet of water, went ahead, 
cutting down the rank vegetation. As fast as a little space was cleared, 
a small steamer went in, and with dredge and steam-capstan hauled out 
the obstructions. In some places the surveyed channel was so filled with 
drift-wood, fallen trees, and tangled roots, that the labor of a thousand 
men for a day seemed to make no impression. When the canal was pretty 
well blocked out, the levee was cut ; and the rush of the waters from the 
great river undermined trees, and piled up new obstacles for the steamers 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. I 75 



U) tmv away. Amid the foulest vapors the men wurkecl, and more than a 
thousand were sent to the hosi)ital with chills and fever, antl rheumatism. 
The most venomous snakes larked in the dark recesses of the swamp ; on 
cypress-stumps or floating logs the deailly water-moccason lay stretched nut. 
ready to bite without warning. Wherever there was a bit of dry ground, 
the workers were sure to hear the rattle of the rattlesnake. Sometimes 
whole nests of these reptiles would be unco\'ered. 

The work was continued day and night. When the failing da}light 
ceased to make its way through the thickly intwined branches of trees 
and climbing vines, great torches would be lighted, and by their fitfid glare 
the soldiers and sailors worked on in the water and mud. The light 
glared from the furnaces of the steamers, lighting up the half-naked forms 
of the stokers. Now and then some dry vine or tree would catch a spark 
from a torch, antl in an instant wotdd be transformed into a pillar of fire. 
After eight days of work the canal was finished, and was found to be of 
suf^cient depth for the passage of the transports. And now Commodore 
Foote saw that the time had come when he must attempt to run his 
gimboats past the forts, be the danger what it might. 

On April i, Foote ordered a reconnoissance of the batteries, and this 
order evoked one of the most daring deeds in the history of the war. 
The night was pitchy dark, antl heavy clouds were dri\-cn across the sky 
by a strong, dami) wind, that told of a coming storm. In five boats a i)ai'ty 
of fifty sailors and fifty soldiers put off from the fleet, prepared to go down 
and beard the Confederate lion in his den. Hardly had they started 
on their perilous expedition, when the rain began falling in sheets, and 
now and again flashes of lightning made the dark shores \isible for an 
instant, then the black night hid every thing again from view. It was 
midnight, and the fierceness of the wind added to the terror of the moment. 
( )n the banks, the great forest-trees were bending and groaning before 
the blast, while the broad surface of the ri\-er was lashed into foaming 
billows. Under cover of the darkness the little band passed rapidly down 
the river ; past the shore-batteries and past the Confederate picket-boats, 
they sped im.seen. When they were within a few teet of the shore, a flash 



176 BLUE-JACKKTS OF '61 



of lightning revealed them for just an instant to the sentries. Then all 
was black, save for the quick flashes of the sentries' guns as they gave 
the alarm and fell back. The Federals landed rapidh-, and drove the 
confused Confederates from the battery. Then began the work of spiking 
the guns. Every fifth man carried a number of rat-tail files, which were 
to be driven into the vents of the cannon, and then bioken off. While 
the raiders were engaged in this work, the Confederates rallied, and soon 
drove back the blue-jackets to their boats, with a slight loss in killed and 
captured. How many gur,s they had disabled, it is hard to sav. In the 
excitement and glory of successful adventure, the reports were mucli 
exaggerated. Histories of that date depict the men as calmly spiking 
every gun, and then retiring deliberately. One writer claims that onlv 
one gun was spiked. However, testimony from Confederates on duty in 
the batteries goes, to show that four guns were totally disabled. But the 
true value of the adventure to the Union forces was the dash and valor 
it disclosed, and the encouragement the people received from its success. 

The next day after this successful exploit, a gunboat, the " Carondelet," 
was made ready to try the dash past the batteries of Island No. 10. 
Again the weather was fax'orable to the plans of the Federals, for the 
night was as dark and wild as the one before. The day hatl been clear, 
and the night opened with so bright a moon that for a time it was thought 
that the project would have to be abandoned ; but toward ten o'clock 
a heavy thunder-storm came up, and soon the black skv, the wildly waving 
tree-tops, and the sheets of rain scudding" across the river, gave promise 
of a suitable night. 

All day the sailors on the "Carondelet" had been working busily, 
getting their vessel in trim for the trip. Heavy planks were laid along the 
deck, to ward off plunging shot. Cliain cables were coiled about all weak 
points, cord-wood was piled around the boilers, and the pilot-house was 
wrapped round and about with hea\'y hawsers. On the side toward the 
battery was tied a large barge, piled high with eotton-bales. When the 
time for starting drew nigh, all lights were extinguished. The guns were 
run in, and the ports closed. The sailors, heavily armed, were sent to their 



BLUE-JACKHTS OF '6i. 177 



stations. Muskets, revolvers, and sabres were in the racks. Down in 
the boiler-room the stokers were throwing coal upon the roaring fires; and 
in the engine-room the engineer stood with his hand on the throttle, 



waiting for the signal to get under way. 



Towards eleven o'clock the time seemed propitious for starting. The 
storm was at its height, and the roll of the thunder would drown the beat of 
the steamer's paddles. The word was given; and llie " Carondelet," with 
her two protecting barges, passed out of sight of the flotilla, and tlown 
towards the cannon of the enemy. For the first half-mile all went well. 
The vessel sped along silently and unseen. The men on the gun-deck, 
unable to see about, sat breathlessly, expecting that at any moment a can- 
non-ball might come crashing through the side into their midst. Suddenly 
from the towering smoke-stacks, burst out sheets of flame five feet high, 
caused by the burning soot inside, and lighting up the river all about. 
Quickly extinguished, they quickly broke out again ; and now from the cam]) 
of the alarmed enemy came the roll of the drum, and the ringing notes of 
the bugle sounding the alarm. A gunboat was bearing down on the works, 
and the Confederates sprang to their guns with a will. The men on the 
"Carondelet " knew what to expect, and soon it came. Five signal rockets 
rushed up into the sky, and in an instant thereafter came the roar of a great 
gun from one of the batteries. Then all joined in, and the din became 
terrible. With volley after volley the Confederates hurled cannon-balls, 
shells, musket, and even pistol-bullets at the flying ship, that could only be 
seen an instant at a time b)- the fitful flashes of the lightning. On the 
"Carondelet " all was still as death. The men knew the deadly peril the\' 
were in, and realized how impossible it was for them to make any fight. In 
the black night, threading the crooked and ever-changing channel of the 
Mississippi River, it was impossible to go more than half-speed. In the 
bow men were stationed casting the lead, and calling out the soundings 
to the brave old Capt. Hocl, who stood on the upper deck unprotected 
from the storm of bullets, and repeated the soundings to Capt. Walker. 
So through the darkness, through the storm of shot and shell, the 
" Carondelet " kept on her way. Past the land-batteries, past the 



rows 01 



ijS ■ HLUE-JACKKl'.S (JF '6i. 

cannon on the island, and past the formidable floating battery, she swept 
uninjured. Heavy and continuous as was the fire of the Confederates, it 
was mainly without aim. The hay-barge was hit three times, but not a 
scar was on the gunboat when she stojjped before the water-front of New 
Madrid after twenty minutes' run through that dreadful fire. 

And now the roar of the great guns had died away, and the men on 
the vessels of the flotilla up the river were all anxiety to know what had 
been the fate of their gallant comrades on the " Carondelet." All the 
time the battle raged, the decks of the ships at anchor were crowded with 
sailors looking eagerly down the river, and trying to make out by the 
blinding flashes of the cannon the dark form of a gunboat speeding by 
the hostile camp. Now all is silent ; the roar of battle is over, the flash 
of gunpowder no more lights up the night. But what has become of the 
gallant men who braved that tempest of steel and iron ■ Are they floating 
down the troubled waters beneath the wreck of their vessel .' It was a 
moment of suspense. After a few minutes' silence, there comes through 
the strangely ciuiet air the deep boom of a heavy gun. It had been agreed, 
that, if the " Carondelet " made the passage of the batteries safely, she 
should fire six heavy guns. The old tars on the decks say softly to them- 
selves, "One." Then comes another, and a third, and still more, until 
suddenly a ringing cheer goes up from the flotilla, louder than the thunder 
itself. Men dance for joy ; grizzled tars fall into each other's ai'ms, sing, 
shout, cr}'. An answering salute goes booming back, rockets scud up into 
the clouds ; and Commodore Foote, with a heart too full for talking, goes 
down into his cabin to be alone. 

That night's work by the "Carondelet" terminated Confederate domain 
on Island No. lo. 'The next night another gunboat came down, and the 
two set to work carrying the troops across the river, protecting artillery- 
men engaged in erecting batteries, and generally completing the invest- 
ment of the island. In two days every loop-hole of escape for the Con- 
federates is closed, — gunboats abo\-e and below them, batteries peering 
down from every bluff, and regiments of infantr)-, all prepared to move 
upon the works. They made one or two ineffectual but pluck)' attempts to 



BLLfE-JACKKl'S OF '6i. 



1/9 



ward off capture. t)ne private soldier swam ashore, sl<ulked past tlie 
Union pickets, and made his way to one of the Union mortar-jjoats. 
He succeeded in getting to the mortar, and successfully spiked it, thus 
terminating- its usefulness. A second Confederate succeeiled in reaching 
the deck of the mortar-boat, but while making his way across the deck 
tripped and fell. The rat-tail file he was carrying was driven into his side, 
making a wound from which he died in two hours. A third man, reckless 
of life, set out in a canoe to blow up a gunboat. He carried with him a 
fifty-pound keg of gunpowder, which he proposed to strap on the rudder- 
post of the vessel. He succeeded in getting under the stern of the vessel ; 
but the gleam of his lighted match alarmed the sentry, who fired, hitting 
him in the shoulder. The Confederate went overboard, and managed to 
get ashore ; while his keg of powder, with the fuse lighted, went drifting 
down stream. Soon it exploded, throwing" up an immense column of water, 
and showing that it would have sent the stoutest vessel to the bottom had 
it been properly placed. 

But such struggles as these could not long avert the impending disaster. 
The Confederates were hemmed in on every side. It was true that they 
had a strong position, and could make a desperate resistance ; but they were 
separated from their friends, and their final downfall was but a question 
of time. Appreciating this fact, they surrendered two days after the 
"Carondelet" had passed the batteries; and Fuote made his second step 
(this time one of si.xty miles) toward the conquest of the Mississippi. 

To-day nothing remains of the once extensive island, sa\-e a small sand- 
bank in the middle of the great river. The rushing current of the Father 
of Waters has done its work, and Islantl No. lo is now a mere tradition. 



^^ 





CHAPTER XI 



FAMOUS CONFEDERATE PRIVATEERS, - THE "ALABAMA,' 

" NASHVILLE." 



THE "SHENANDOAH." THE 



i 




ET us now desert, for a time, the progress of the Union forces 
clown the Mississippi River, and turn our attention toward the 
true home of the sailors, — the blue waters of the ocean. We 
iiave heard much, from many sources, of the exploits of the 
Confederate commerce-destroyers, privateers, or, as the Union authorities 
and the historians of the war period loved to call them, the "Rebel pirates." 
In the course of this narrative we have already dealt with the career of 
the " Sumter," one of the earliest of these vessels. A glance at the career 
of the most famous of all the Confederate cruisers, the " Alabama," will be 
interesting. 

This \-essel was built in England, ostensibly as a merchant-vessel, 
although her heavy decks and sides, and her small hatchwavs, might have 
warned the English officials that she was intended for purposes of war. 
Before she was finished, however, the customs-house people began to suspect 
her character; and goaded on by the frequent complaints of the United 
States minister, that a war-vessel was being built for the Confederates, 
they determined to seize her. But customs-house officials do things slowly ; 
and, wliilc they were getting ready for the seizure, Capt. Semmes, who had 



HLUK-JACKETS OF '61. ] S I 

taken command of the new Nhip, dupetl them, and got Ids vessel safely 
out of English waters. Private detectives and long-shore customs officers 
had been visiting the ship daily on visits of examination ; but, by the aid 
of champagne and jolly good-fello\vshi[), their inexperienced eyes were 
easily blinded to the manifest preparations for a war-like cruise. But 
finally came a retired naval officer who was not to be humbugged. A 
sailor on board thus tells the story of his \isit : " He was exidenth' 
a naval officer, alert and resolute, and soon silenced the officer's explana- 
tions. He looked at the hatchwaws, shut-racks, and magazines ; and, sur- 
veying the hammock-hooks on the berth-deck, said, ' You'll have a large 
crew for a merchant-steamer.' We had taken on board some heavy oak 
plank, that lay on the main deck ; the (_)fficer remarked that the}' were for 
anchor-stocks, and was shortly answeretl, 'Wouldn't make bad gun-plat- 
forms, sir,' which, indeed, was just what they were intended for. With 
a 'Good-morning, sir,' our visitor mounted the side and was gone." Ttfis 
visit alarmed the Confederates ; and immediate j)reparations were made ■ 
to run the ship, which still went by the name of the " No. 290," out of 
the British waters the next day. To disarm suspicion, a large [tarty of 
ladies and gentlemen were invited aboard ; and the ship started down the 
Mersey, ostensibly on her trial trip, with the sounds of music and popping 
corks ringing from her decks. But peaceful and merry as the start seemed. 
It was the beginning of a vovage that was destined to bring ruin to 
hundreds of American merchants, and leave many a good United States 
vessel a smoking ruin on the breast of the ocean. When she was a short 
distance down the river, two tugs were seen putting off from the shore; 
and in a moment the astonished guests were recjuested to leaw the ship, 
and betake themselves homeward in the tugs. It is unnecessary to follow 
the voyage of the "No. 290" to Nassau, and tletail the wa\' in which 
cannon, ammunition, and naval stores were sent out from Portsmouth in 
a second vessel, and transferred to her just outside of Nassau. It is enough 
t(i say that on a bright, clear Sunday morning, in the latter part of Angus:, 
1862, Capt. Rafael Semmes, late of the Confederate cruiser "Sumter," 
a gentleman of middle height, wearing a uniform of gray and gold, his 



l82 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 

dark mustache waxed to such sharp points that one would think him a 
Frenchman rather than a Southerner, stood on the quarter-deck of the 
" No. 290," with his crew mustered before him, reading out his commission 
from Jefferson Davis, as commander of the Confederate States' steam- 
sloop " Alabama." As he read, an old mastcr's-mate, standing at the 
peak-halyards, begins pulling at the ropes. The British ensign, carried 
through the ship's anonymous days, comes fluttering down, and in its place 
runs up the white naval ensign of the Confederacy, with the starry Southern 
cross in the red field of the corner. Then the reading is ended. Boom ! 
goes the starboard forecastle-gun. The band bursts forth with the stirring 
notes of Dixie; and the sailors, after three ringing cheers, crowd forward 
to wait for further developments. Soon the sailors are summoned aft 
again, and Capt. Semmes addresses them. He tells them that, as the 
"Alabama" is to be a ship-of-war, they are released from their shipping- 
contracts, but are invited to ship under the new \i\an. He briefly details 
,the purpose of the cruise. The "Alabama" is to be a bird of passage, 
flitting from port to port, and hovering about the highways of travel, to 
lie in wait for the merchant-vessels of the North. Armed vessels she will 
avoid as much as possible, confining her warfare to the helpless merchant- 
men. It is hardly a glorious programme, but it seems to bear the promise 
of prize-money ; and before the da\' is over Capt. Semmes has shipped a 
crew of eighty men, and with these the "Alabama" begins her cruise. The 
remainder of the sailors are sent ashore, and the "Alabama" starts off 
under sail, in search of her first capture. 

Let us look for a moment at this vessel, perhaps the most famous 
of all cruisers. She was a fast screw-steamer, of a little more than a 
thousand tons' burden. Iler screw was so arranged that it could be hoisted 
out of the water ; and, as the saving of coal was a matter of necessity, the 
"Alabama" did most of her cruising under sail. Her hull was of wood, 
with no iron plating, and her battery consisted of but eight light guns ; 
two facts which made it necessary that she should avoid any conflicts with 
the powerful ships of the United States navy. Her lines were beautifully 
fine; and, as she sped swiftly through the water, Capt. Semmes felt that 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. I cS 



o 



his vessel could escape the Northern cruisers as easily as she could overhaul 
the lumbering merchantmen. The crew was a turbulent one, picked u|) 
in the streets of Liverpool, and made up of men of all nationalities. 
Terrific rows would arise in the forecastle, and differences between the 
sailors were often settled by square stand-up fights. The petty officers 
seldom interfered ; one old boatswain remarking, when he heard the noise 
of blows ill the forecastle, "Blast them, let 'em slug one another's heads 
off; it will keep 'em out of mischief." And it generally did, for the 
combatants were usually fast friends the next day. 

As soon as the new ship was cleaned up, and put in order, drill began. 
The men were all green ; and hard, steady work at the guns, and with the 
cutlasses, was necessary to fit them for service. The decks resounded with 
"right," "left," "head protect," "right overcut." The men were slow in 
learning ; but the ofificers were Southerners, devoted to their cause, and 
were tireless in getting the crew into shape. 

After several days of cruising and drill, a vessel was sighted which was 
unmistakably American. One of the sailors tells the story of her capture 
graphically. "On the morning of tiie 5th of September the cry of 'shi]) 
ahoy! ' from the masthead brought all hands on deck. Sure enough, about 
two miles to the leeward of us was a fine barque, at once pro)iounced a 
'spouter' (whaler), and an American. In order to save coal, — of whicli 
very essential article we had about three hundred tons aboard, — we ne\-er 
used our screw unless absolutely necessary. We were on the starboard 
tack, and with the fresh breeze soon came alongside. We had the 
American flag set, and the chase showed the stars and stripes. A gun was 
fired ; and, as we came within hail, we gave the order, ' Back your main- 
sail ; I'll send a boat on board of you.' 

"'Cutter away,' and the boat came down from the davits, and we 
pulled for our first prize. It soon became a vain thing, and tiresome ; but 
this our first essay was a novelt\', and we made the stretches buckle with 
our impatience to get aboard. The bowman hooked on to the chains, and 
we went up the side like cats. When we got aft, the captain asked in a 
dazed sort of manner, 'Wh\' — wh\' — what does this mean.'' The master. 



1 84 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



I'^uUam, rcplieel, 'You are prize to the Confederate steamer "Alabama," 
Capt. Semmes commanding. I'll trouble )-ou for your [lapers.' Now, this 
man had been four years out, and had no doubt heard of the trouble at 
home; but he couldn't realize this, and he stared, and said, 'Confederate 
government — Alabama — why, that's a State,' and then was sternly told 
to get his papers. We were ordered to put the crew in irons, and they, 
too, seemed utterly dumbfounded ; and one poor fellow said to me, ' Alust I 
lose all my clothes.'' I answered, 'Yes,' but ad\iscd him to put on all he 
could, and if he had any money to slip it in his boot. ' Money ! I h'aint 
seen a dollar for three years ; but I'm obliged to ye all the same.' " 

Then, after searching the vessel for valuables, the captives wei'c taken 
back to the " Alabama," while one boat's-crew remained behind to fire the 
vessel. 

"She was loaded with oil," writes sailor Haywood; "and, when it 
caught, a high column of dense black smoke poured out of the hatchways, 
and spread in vast involutions to the leeward. Soon the red forked flames 
began to climb her masts, and her spars glowed with light ; with a crash 
her mainmast fell, carrying the foremast with it, and sending a shower of 
sparks high in the air.; her stout sides seemed to burst open ; and what was 
a stately ship was now a blackened hulk, the rising sea breaking in white- 
caps over it, and at last, with a surge and wallow, sinking out of sight." 
Alone, by one of the lee-ports, the ruined American captain stood, looking 
sadly upon the end of all his long four years' labor. For this he had borne 
the icy hardships of the Arctic seas. The long, dreary four years of separa- 
tion from wife and home had been lightened by the thought, that by a 
prosperous voyage he might bring home enoiigh money to sta)' ahvavs in 
the little shingled cottage in the narrow street of some New England 
fishing-village; but now all that was over. When he should arrive home 
he would be penniless, with nothing but the clothes on his back, and all 
because of a war of the very existence of which he knew nothing. It was 
hard to' bear, but war brings nothing but affliction. 

Aftei- this capture, the "Alabama" had a li\-ely season for se\-eral weeks, 
capturing often two or three vessels a day. Generally they met witli no 




i.(j()riM; A I'kizK. 



BLUE-JACK KTS OV '61. 187 



resistance ; iMit occasionally the blood of some old sea-dog would boil, and 
he would do the best in his power to injure his captors. A slorv of one 
such incitlent was thus told by one of the "Alabama's " crew: — 

" When we r.m around in search of whalers, we came upon a \'ankee 
skipper who didn't know what surrender mi-ant. We were just well to the 
west of the stormy cape, .when one morning after breakfast we raised a 
whaler. He was headed up the coast, and about noon we o\'erhauled him. 
He paid no attention to the first shot, and it was only when the second one 
hulletl him that he came into the wind. It was then seen tliat he had fifteen 
or si.xteen men aboard, and that all were armed with muskets, and meant to 
defend the ship. The lieutenant was sent off witli his boat ; but no sooner 
was he within fair musket-range, than the whaler opened on him, killing one 
man, and wounding two, at the first volley. The officer pushed ahead, and 
demanded a surrender; but he got another volley, and the replv that the 
whaler 'would go to the bottom before he would surrender to a Rebel ! ' 

"The boat was recalled, and our gunners were instructed to hull the 
whaler with solid shot. We approached iiim within rifle-range, and opened 
fire. Every one of the balls plumped through his side at and above the 
water-line, and he answered with his muskets, sevei'ely wounding two men. 
He was repeatedly hailed to surrender, but in reply he encouraged his men 
to maintain their fire. We soon had the sea pouring into his starboard 
side through a dozen holes ; and when it was seen that he would soon go 
down, we ceased firing, and again demandeil his suirender. I can remember 
just how he looked as he sjirang upon the rail, — tall, gaunt, hair ilying, and 
eyes blazing, — and shouted in rcph', — 

"'The ' Ben Scott' don't surrender ! Come and take us — if you can.' 

"I'ive minutes later his craft settled down, bow first. We lowered 
tlie boats to save his crew, and, strangely enough, not a man was lost. 
When we brought them aboard, the Yankee skipper walked up to Semmes, 
bareheaded, liarefooted, and coatless, and said, — 

" ' If I'd only have had one old cannon aboard, we'd have licked ye out 
of yer butes ! Here we are, and what are ye going to do with us ? ' 

" He was voted a jolly good fellow, and the crew were belter treated 



1 88 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



than any other ever forced aboard. In order to give them their libcrt\-, 
the very next capture we made was bonded, and they were put aboard 
to sail for home." 

But now the decks of the "Alabama" were getting rather uncom- 
fortably crowded with prisoners, and it became necessary to put into some 
port where they could be landed. Accordingly the ship was headed for 
Martinicjue, and soon lay anchored in the harbor of that place, where she 
began coaling. While she lay there, a Yankee schooner put into the port, 
and was about to drop anchor near the dangerous cruiser, when some one 
gave the skipper a hint ; and, with a startled "b'gosh," he got his sails up, 
and scudded out to sea. The "Alabama" lay in port some days. Tlie 
first set of the sailors who received permission to go ashore proceedetl to 
get drunk, and raised so great a disturbance, that thereafter they were 
obliged to look on the tropical prospect from the deck of the vessel. The 
ne.\t day a United States war-vessel was seen standing into the harbor, 
and Capt. Semmes immediately began to make preparations to fight her. 
But as she came nearer she proved to be the " San Jacinto," a vessel 
mounting fourteen heavy guns, and altogether too powerful lor the " Ala- 
bama." So thinking discretion the better part of valor, the Confederate 
ship remained safe in the neutral harbor. The "San Jacinto" quietly 
remained outside, thinking that at last the fox was caught. But that same 
night, with all lights e.xtinguished, and running under full steam, the 
"Alabama" slipped right under the broadside of her enemy, getting clean 
away, so quietly that the " San Jacinto " remained for four days guarding 
the empty trap, while the "Alabama" was off again on another voyage of 
destruction, and the tuneful souls in the forecastle were roaring out the 

chorus, — 

" Oh, our jolly privateer 

Has left old England's shore ! 

Lord, send us lots of prizes, 

But no Yankee man-of-war.'' 

Soon after leaving Martinique, the "Alabama" made a capture which 
embarrassed the captain not a little by its size. It was Sunday (which 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 1 89 



Capt. Scmmes calls in his journal "the 'Alabama's' lucky day"), when a 
bit of smoke was seen far off on the horizon, foretelling the approach of 
a steamer. Now was the time for a big haul ; and the "Alabama's " canvas 
was furletl, and her steam-gear [uit in running order. The two vessels 
approached each other rapidly ; and soon the stranger came near enough 
for those on the "Alabama" to make out her huge walking-beam, see- 
sawing up and down amidships. The bright colors of l.idies' dresses were 
\-isible ; and some stacks of muskets, antl groups of blue-uniformed men, 
forwartl, told of the presence of troops. The "Alabama" came up swiftly, 
her men at the guns, and the United States flag flying from the peak, — 
a rather dishonorable ruse habitually practised by Capt. Semmes. In a 
moment the stranger showed the stars and stripes, and then the "Ala- 
bama" ran up the white ensign of the Confederacy, and fired a blank 
cartridge. But the stranger had no thought of surrendering, and crowded 
on all steam and fled. The "Alabama" was no match for her in s[)eed, 
so a more peremptory summons was sent in the shape of a shell that cut 
the steamer's foremast in two. This hint was sufficient. The huge pad- 
dles ceased revolving, and a boat's-crew fi'om the "Alabama" went aboard 
to take possession. The prize proved to be the mail steamer "Ariel," with 
five hundred passengers, besides a hundred and forty marines and a num- 
ber of army and navy officers. Now Capt. Semmes had an elephant on 
his hands, and what to do with that immense number of people he could 
not imagine. Clearly the steamer could not be burned like other captures. 
For two days Capt. Semmes kept the prize near him, debating what was 
to be done, and then released her; exacting from all the military and 
naval officers their paroles that they would not take up arms against the 
Confederacy. 

After this exploit the "Alabama" went into port for a few days, and 
then headed into the Gulf of Mexico. Here she steamed about, capturing 
and burning a few United .States merchantmen, until on the iith of 
January she found herself off the port of Galveston, where a strong block- 
ading fleet was stationed. And here she fought her first battle. 

About four o'clock of a clear afternoon, the lookout in the cross-trees of 



I go liLUE-JACKPrrS OF '6i 



the United States sloop-of-vvar " Hatteras," stationed off the port of Galves- 
ton, hailed the officer of the deck, and reported a steamer standing up and 
down outside. The stranger was watched closely through marine glasses, 
and finally decided to be a blockade-runner trying to make the port ; and 
the "Hatteras" immediately set out in pursuit. This was just what Capt. 
Semmes desired. He knew that the ships stationed off Galveston were not 
heavily armed, and he felt sure that if he could entice one away from the 
rest of the fleet he would be able to send her to the bottom. Accordingly 
he steamed away slowly, letting the " Hatteras " gain on him, but at the 
same time drawing her out of the reach of any aid from her consorts. 
When about twenty miles away from the fleet, the "Alabama" slowed 
down and finally stopped altogether, waiting for the "Hatteras" to come 
up. The latter vessel came within two hundred yards, and hailed, "What 
ship's that.'" — "Her Majesty's ship 'Petrel,'" answered Semmes, pur- 
suing the course of deception that brings so much discredit on his other- 
wise dashing career. The captain of the " Hatteras " answered that he 
would send a boat aboard ; but, before the boat touched the water, a second 
hail announced, "We are the Confederate ship ' Alabama,' " and in an 
instant a heavy broadside crashed into the "Hatteras." Every one of the 
shots took effect ; and one big fellow from the one hundred and five pounder 
rifle peeled off si.\ feet of iron plating from the side of the " Hatteras," and 
lodged in the hold. Dazed by this unexpected fire, but plucky as ever, the 
blue-jackets sprang to their guns and returned the fire. The two ships 
were so close together that a good shot with a revolver could have picked 
off his man every time, and the sailors hurled taunts at each other between 
the volleys. Not a shot missed the " Hatteras : " in five minutes she was 
riddled with holes, and on fire, and a minute or two later the engineer came 
up coolly and reported, "Engine's disabled, sir ;" followed quickly by the 
carpenter, who remarked. " Ship's making water fast ; can't float more than 
ten minutes, sir." There was nothing for it but surrender, and the flag 
came down amid frantic yells from the "Alabama" sailors. Semmes got 
out his boats with wonderful rapidity, and picked up all the men on the 
" Hatteras ; " and the defeated vessel sank in ten minutes. One of the 



BLUK-JACKETS OF '6i. 191 



strange things about this battle was the small number (.1 men injured. 
Nothing but shells were fired, and they searched every part of the vessels ; 
yet when the fight was over the "Alabama" had but one man wounded, 
while the " Hatteras " had two men killed and three wounded. The shells 
played some strange pranks in their course. One ripped up a long furrow 
in the deck of the "Alabama," and knocked two men high in the air with- 
out disabling them. Another struck a gun full in the mouth, tore off one 
side of it, and shoved it back ten feet, without injuring any of the crew. 
One man who was knocked overboard by the concussion was back again 
and serving his gun in two minutes. A shell exploded in the coal of the 
••Hatteras," and sent the stuff flying all about the vessel, without injurin"- 
a man. 

With her prisoners stowed away in all available places about her decks, 
the "Alabama" headed for Jamaica, and cast anchor in the harbor of Port 
Royal. There were several English men-of-war there, and the officers of 
the victorious ship were lionized and feasted to their hearts' content. The 
prisoners were landed, the "Alabama's " wounds were bound up, and she 
was made ready for another cruise. 

After five days in port, she set out again on her wanderings about the 
world. Week after week she patrolled the waters in all parts of the globe 
where ships were likely to be met. Sometimes she would go a fortnight 
/ithout a capture, and then the men in the forecastle would grow turbulent 
and restive under the long idleness. Every bit of brass-work was polished 
hour after hour, and the officers were at their wits' end to devise means for 
"tcasmg-time." The men made sword-knots and chafing-gear enough 
to last the whole navy, and then looke^l longingly at the captain's mustache, 
as the only thing left in which a ■• Turk's hea.l " could be tied. Music 
enlivened the hours for a time: the fiddler was soon voted a bore, and 
silenced by some one pouring a pint of molasses into the /-holes of his 
nistrument. The enraged musician completed the job by breaking it over 
the heail of the joker. After several weeks, they put 'into Cape Town. 
Here the practical joker of the crew made himself famous by utterly 
routing an inquisitive old lady, who asked, "What do you do with your 



w 



192 ISLUE-JACKETS OF 



prisoners?" The grizzled old tar dropped his voice to a confidential 
whisper, and, with a look of the utmost frankness, replied, "We biles 'em, 
mum. We tried a roast, but there ain't a bounce of meat on one o' them 
Yankee carkages. Yes, mum, we biles 'em." The startled old lady gasped 
out, "Good lordy," and fled from the ship. 

Putting out from Cape Town, the "Alabama" continued her wearv 
round of cruising. Many vessels were captured, and most of them were 
burned. One Yankee captain proved too much for Semmes, as his story 
will show. His ship was chased by the "Alabama" in heavy weather all 
day, and occasionally fired upon. When the steamer was abeam, " she 
closed up with us," the captain says, "as near as safety would permit, and, 
hailing us, asked where we were bound, and demanded the surrender of 
the ship to the Confederate Government. I answered through my trumpet, 
'Come and take me.' Conversation being too straining for the lungs 
amid the howling of the wind and rolling of the huge billows, and the 
pro.ximity of the vessels too dangerous, we separated a little, and had 
recourse to blackboards to carry on our conversation. Semmes asked 
where we were bound. I answered, without a blush, ' Melbourne,' thinking 
that possibly he might try to intercept me if he knew that I was to pass 
through the Straits of Sunda. Then he had the cheek to order me to 
'haul clown your flag and surrender, escape or no escape,' — on a kind of 
parole, I suppose he meant, I wrote on the board : ' First capture, then 
parole.' This answer vexed him, I am sure, for he immediatch- wrote : 
'Surrender, or I will sink you.' I wrote: 'That would be murder, not 
battle.' — 'Call it what you will, I will do it,' he wrote. '.Attempt it, and 
by the living God, I will run you down, and we will sink together,' I wrote 
in reply. I knew his threat was vain ; for in that heavy sea, rolling his 
rails under, he did not dare to free his guns, w^iich were already double 
lashed. They would have carried away their tackles, and gone through 
the bulwarks overboard. Conscious that he had made empty threats, we 
said no more, but doggedly kept on our course. Sail was still further 
reduced on both vessels, as the wind kept increasing and was now blowing 
a gale. We were now gradually and surely drawing ahead of the steamer. 



BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 193 

It was _^TOvving dark. Rejoiciny; at my fortunate escape, 1 gave the valiant 
Semmes a parting shot by lioisthig the signal 'Good-by.' Dipping the 
star-spangled banner as a salute, I hauled it down, and the steamer was 
soon lost to sight in the darkness. ... I never saw her after our escape ; 
but, indirectly, she forced me to sell my ship in China soon after." 

Hut we cannot follow the "Alabama" in her career about the world. 
A full account of her captures would fill volumes ; and in this nari"ative 
we must pass hastily by the time that she spent scouring the ocean, 
dodging United States men-of-war, and burning Northern merchantmen, 
until, on the nth of June, she entered the harbor of Cherbourg, France, 
and had hardly dropped anchor when the United States man-of-war 
" Kearsarge" appeared outside, and calmly settled down to wait for the 
Confederate to come out and fight. Capt. Semmes seemed perfectly ready 
for the conflict, and began getting his ship in shape for the battle. The 
men, too, said that they had had a "plum-pudding voyage" ot it so far, 
and they were perfectly ready for a fight. The forecastle poet was set 
to work, and soon ground out a song, of which the refrain was, — 

'■We're homeward bound, we're homeward Ijound! 
And soon shall stand on English ground ; 
But, ere our native land we see. 
We first must fight the ' Kearsargee.' " 

This was the last song made on board the "Alabama," and the poet was 
never more seen after the fight with the " Kearsargee." 

The "Kearsarge" had hardly hove in sight when Capt. Semmes began 
taking in coal, and ordered the yards sent down from aloft, and the ship 
put in trim for action. Outside the breakwater, the "Kearsarge" was 
doing the same thing. In armament, the two vessels were nearly equal ; 
the "Alabama" having eight guns to the " Kear.sargc's " seven, but the 
guns of the latter vessel were heavier and of greater range. In the matter 
of speed, the "Kearsarge" had a slight advantage. The great advantage 
which the "Kearsarge" had was gained by the forethought of her com- 
mander, who had chains hung down her sides, protecting the boilers and 



194 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



machinery. Semmes might easily have done the same thing had the 
idea occurred to him. 

It was on Sunday, June 19, that the "Alabama " started out to the duel 
that was to end in her destruction. Though Sunday was Capt. Semmes's 
lucky da)', his luck this time seemed to have deserted him. The "Ala- 
bama" was accompanied in her outward voyage by a large French iron- 
clad frigate. The broad breakwater was black with people waiting to 
see the fight. The news had spread as far as Paris, and throngs had come 
down by special trains to view the great naval duel. A purple haze hung 
over the placid water, through which could be seen the " Kearsarge," with 
her colors flying defiantly, steaming slowly ahead, and ready for the 
" Alabama " to come up. Small steamers on every side followed the 
"Alabama," as near the scene of conflict as they dared. One English 
yacht, the "Deerhound," with her owner's family aboard, hung close to the 
combatants during the fight. No duel of the age of chivalry had a more 
eager throng of spectators. 

Now the "Alabama" has passed the three-mile line, and is on the open 
sea. The big French iron-clad stops ; the pilot-boats, with no liking for 
cannon-balls, stop too. The "Deerhound" goes out a mile or so farther, 
and the "Alabama" advances alone to meet the antagonist that is 
waiting quietly for her coming. The moment of conflict is at hand; and 
Capt. Semmes, mustering his men on the deck, addresses them briefly, and 
sends them to their quarters ; and now, with guns shotted, and lanyards 
taut, and ready for the pull, the "Alabama" rushes toward her enemy. 
When within a distance of a mile, the first broadside was let fly, without 
a\ail. The " Kearsarge," more cool and prudent, waits yet awhile ; and, 
when the first sb.ot does go whizzing from her big Dahlgren guns, it strikes 
the " Alabama," and makes her quiver all over. Clearly it won't do to 
fight at long range ; and Capt. Semmes determines to close in on his more 
powerful antagonist, and even try to carry her by boarding, as in the 
glorious days of Paul Jones. Put the wary Winslow of the "Kearsarge" 
will have none of that ; and he keeps his ship at a good distance, all the 
time jjouriug great shot into the sides of the "Alabama." Now the two 




RESCUE OV CAPTAIN SEMMES. 



196 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



vessels begin circling around each other in mighty circles, each trying to 
get in a raking position. The men on the "Alabama" began to tind that 
their gunpowder was bad and caky ; while at the same moment one of the 
officers saw two big solid shot strike the " Kearsarge " amidships, and fall 
back into the water, revealing the heretofore unsuspected armor. This was 
discouraging. Then came a big shot that knocked over the pivot-gun, and 
killed half its crew. One sailor saw a shot come in a port, glide along the 
gun, and strike the man at the breach full in the breast, killing him instantly. 

The " Kearsarge," too, was receiving some pretty lively blows, but her 
iron armor protected her vulnerable parts. One shell lodged in her stern- 
post, but failed to explode. Had it burst, the " Kearsarge's " fighting 
would have been over. 

After an hour the officers of the "Alabama" began coming to Capt. 
Semmes with grave faces, and reporting serious accidents. At last the 
first lieutenant reported the ship sinking, and the order was given to strike 
the flag. She was sinking rapidly, and the time had come for every man 
to save himself. The "Kearsarge" was shamefully slow in getting out her 
boats; and finally when the " Alabama," throwing her bow high in the air, 
went down with a rush, she carried most of her wounded with her, and 
left the living struggling m the water. Capt. Semmes was jjicked up by 
a boat from the yacht " Deerhound," and was carried in that craft to 
England away from capture. For so escaping, he has been harshly criti- 
cised by many people ; but there seems to be no valid reason why he 
should refuse the opportunity so offered him. Certain it is, that, had 
he not reached the "Deerhound," he would have been drowned; for none 
of the boats of the "Kearsarge" were near him when he was struggling in 
the water. 

So ended the career of the "Alabama." Her life had been a short one, 
and her career not the most glorious imaginable ; but she had fulfilled the 
purpose for which she was intended. She had captured si.\ty-four mer- 
chant-vessels, kei)t a large number of men-of-war busy in chasing her from 
one end of the world to the other, and inflicted on American commerce 
an almost irreparable injui-y. 




TH1-. END OF A PRIVATIOKK. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 199 



Although the " Alabama " was by all means the most noted and the 
most successful of all the Confederate cruisers, there were others that 
entered upon the career of prh'ateering, and followed it for a while with 
varying degrees of success. Some were captured revenue-cutters, which 
the Confederates armed with a single heavy gun, and turned loose on the 
ocean in search of Yankee schooners. Others were merely tugs or pilot- 
boats. Generally their careers were short. In one instance a fine pri\a- 
teer, from which the Confederates expected great things, attempted to 
capture a United States man-of-war, under the delusion that it was a mer- 
chant-vessel. The captain of the man-of-war saw the mistake under which 
the Confederate labored, and allowed the privateer to come up within short 
range, when, with a sudden broadside, he sent her to the bottom, abruptly 
terminating her career as a commerce destro)'er. Some quite formidable 
iron-clad cruisers were built abroad; but in most cases all the diplomacy of 
the Confederate agents proved unavailing to prevent the confiscation of the 
ships by the neutral governments in whose territory they were built. Two 
iron-clad rams built at Li\'erpool, ostensibly for private [larties, but really 
for the Confederate Government, were seized by the British authorities. 
Si.x splendid \-essels were built in France, but only one succeeded in get- 
ting away to join the Confederate service. This one was a ram with 
armored sides, and was named the "Stonewall." The war was nearly over 
when she was put in commission, and her services for the Confederacy 
amounted to nothing. She made one short cruise, during which she fell 
in with two United States men-of-war, that avoided a fight with her on 
account of her siqierior strength. At the end of lier cruise the war was 
over, and she was sold to the Mikado of Japan, whose flag she now carries. 

The "Nashville" was an old side-wheel passenger-steamer, of which the 
Confederates had made a privateer Her career was a short one. She 
made one trip to England as a blockade-runner, and on her return voyage 
she burned three or four United States merchantmen. She then put into 
the Great Ogeechee River, where she was blockaded by three Union men- 
of-war. The Confederates protected her by filling the river with torpedoes, 
and anchoring the ship at a point where the guns of a strong fort could 



BLUE-JACKKTS OF '61. 30i 

beat back all assailants. Here she lay for several weeks, while the men 
on the blockaders were fuming at the thought that they were to be 
kept idle, like cats watching a rat-hole. At last Capt. Worden, who was 
there with his redoubtable monitor " Montauk," determined to destroy 
the pri\-ateer, despite the torpedoes and the big guns of the fort. He 
accordingly began a movement up the ri\-er, picking his way slowdy through 
the obstructions. The fort began a lively cannonade ; but Worden soon 
found that he had nothing to fear from that quarter, as the guns were not 
heavy enough to injure the iron sides of the little monitor. But, as he 
went up the river, the " N'ash\ille " took the alarm and fled before him; 
and it seemed that the most the Union fleet could do would be to keep 
her from coming down again, for with her light draught she could keep well 
out of range of the monitor's guns. But one morning Worden perceived a 
strange commotion on the "Nashville;" and, looking carefully through his 
glass, he saw that she was aground. Now was his time ; and at once he 
].nished forward to a point twelve hundred yards from her, and directly 
under the guns of h\Trt MacAllister. Fiom this point he began a deliberate 
fire upon the doomed privateer. The great guns of the fort were roaring 
away, and their shells came crashing against the sides of the " Montauk ; " 
but to this Worden paid no heed. It was splendid long-distance practice 
for his gunners ; and, when they got the range, not a shot missed the 
stranded Confederate vessel, t'rom his pilot-house Worden could see the 
crew of the "Nashville" escaping in boats, leaping into the water over 
the sides, — doing anything to escape from that terribly destructive fire. 
All the time the great fifteen-inch shells were dropping into the vessel with 
fearful precision. By and by a heavy fog fell upon the scene ; but the gun- 
ners on the " Montauk " knew where their enemy was, and kept up their 
steady fire, though they could see nothing. When the fog lifted, they saw 
the "Nashville" a mass of flames; and in a moment she blew up, covering 
the placid surface of the river with blackened fragments. Then the " Mon- 
tauk " returned to her consorts, well satisfied w^ith her day's work. 

The last of the Confederate privateers to ravage the ocean was the 
" Shenandoah," originally an English merchant-vessel engaged in the East 



202 BLUE-TACKKIS OF •(.i. 



India trade. She was large, fast, ami strongly built ; and the astute agent 
of the Confeileraey knew, when he saw her lying in a Liverpool doek, that 
she was just calculated lor a privateer. She was purchased by private 
parties, and set sail, carrying a large stock of coal and provisions, but no 
arms. By a strange coincidence, a secoud vessel left Liverjiool the same 
day, carrying several mysterious gentlemen, who afterwards proved to be 
Confederate naval officers. The cargo of this second vessel consisted 
almost entirely of remarkably heavy cases marked " machinery." The two 
vessels, once out of English waters, showed great fondness for each other, 
and proceeded together to a deserted, barren island near Madeira. Mere 
they anchored side by side ; and the mysterious gentlemen, now resplendent 
in the gray and gold uniform of the Confederacy, stepped aboard the 
"Shenandoah." Then the cases were hoistcil out of the hold of the 
smaller vessel; and, when the "machinery" was mounted on the gun-deck 
of the "Shenandoah," it proved to be a number of very fine steel-rifled 
cannon. Then the crew was mustered on the gun-deck, and informed that 
they were manning the new Confederate ship "Shenandoah;" and with 
a cheer the flag was hoisted at the peak, and the newly created ship-of-war 
started off in search of merchantmen to make bonfires of. Her course 
lay to the northward, and she was soon in fields that Semmes with his 
"Alabama" had never ravaged. This made the hunting all the bettor for 
the "Shenandoah," and she burned vessels right and left merrily. She 
even ran up within a few miles of Portsmouth, N.I I., and captured several 
unsuspecting coasters who came sailing out of port. But the captain 
knew that such spots as that would soon get too hot for him, so he crowded 
on sail, and made for the Behrings Straits, where he hoped to catch a few 
returning whalers, and see the glorious bonfires made by the barrels of 
whale-oil that the poor fellows had been industriously gathering amitl the 
Arctic ice-floes for years. Capt. \\''addell was not disajipointed in his 
expectations, for he reached the straits just as the returning whalers were 
coming out of Baffin's Bay. One day he captured eleven in a bunch. 
With one-third his crew standing at the guns ready to fire upon any vessel 
that should attempt to get up sail, Waddell kept the rest of his men 




•SIIIvNANDOAH'- nUUNINi: WHALERS. 



BLUK-JACKl-rrS OK Y.i. 205 

rowing from ship to ship, taking off the crews. Finally all the prisoners 
were put aboard three of the whalers, and the eight empty ships were set 
afire. It was a grand spectacle. On every side were the towering ice- 
bergs, whose glassy sides reflected the lurid glare from the burning ships. 
Great black volumes of smoke arose from the blazing oil into the clear 
blue northern sky. The ruined men crowded upon the three whalers saw 
the fruits of their years of labor thus destroyed in an afternoon, and heaped 
curses upon the heads of the men who h:id thus robbed them. What 
wonder if, in the face of such a[5[)arently want(.)n destruction as this, they 
overlooked the niceties of the law of war, and called their captors [lirates ! 
Yet for the men of the " Shenandoah " it was no pleasant duty to thus 
cruise about the world, burning and destroying private property, and doing 
warfare only against unarmed people. More than one has left on record his 
complaint of the utter unpleasantness of the duty ; but all felt that they 
were aiding the cause for which their bnithers at home were fighting, and 
so they went on in their work of destruction. 

After cruising about the whaling-grounds until cold weather drove 
him away,- Capt. Waddell began a tour of the world, visiting Jajian, India, 
South Africa, and finally returned again to the Arctic seas nearly^ )-ear 
later to recommence his war upon the whalers. He had caiitured and 
burned several, when the captain of a brig that had but recently left home 
told him. that the war was over; that the Confederacy was crushed. Grant 
was in Yicksburg, Butler in New Orleans, and Jefferson Davis in, a prison- 
cell. To continue his depredations longer would be piracy ; so Capt. 
Waddell hauled down his Confederate flag, and heading for Liverpool sur- 
rendered his ship to the British authorities, by whom it was promptly 
transferred to the United States. So ended the last- of the Confederate 
privateers. 



-'^^t.^Jf^ 




chai'ti:r XII. 



WORK OF THE GULK SQUADRON. - THE FIGHT AT THE PASSES OF THE MISSISSIPPI. - 
DESTRUCTION OF THE SCHOONER " JUDAH." - THE BLOCKADE OF GALVESTON, AND 
CAPTURE OF THE "HARRIET LANE." 




HE naval forces of the United States during the war may be 
roughly classified as the Atlantic fleets, the river navy, and the 
Gulf squadron. The vessels comprising the latter detachment 
en]'o)'ed some light service during the opening months of the 
war ; but, as the time went on, the blue-jackets of the Gulf squadron found 
that they had no reason to congratulate themselves on securing an easy 
berth. Their blockading duty was not so arduous as that of their brothers 
along the rugged Atlantic coast ; but they were harassed continually by 
Confederate rams, which would make a dash into the fleet, strike heavy 
blows, and then fly up some convenient river far into the territory of the 
Confederacy. One such attack was made upon the squadron blockading 
the Mississippi in October, 1861. 

Some eighty miles below New Orleans, the Mississippi divides into three 
great channels, which flow at wide angles from each other into the Gulf of 
Me.xico. These streams flow between low marshy banks hardly higher than 
the muddy surface of the river, covered with thick growths of willows, and 
infested with reptiles and poisonous insects. The point from which these 
three streams diverge is known as the " Head of the Passes," and it was 
2or, 



r.LUR-JACKETS OF '6i. 20; 



here that the blockading squadron of four'vessels was stationed. The ships 
swung idly at their moorings for weeks. The pestilential vapors from the 
surrounding marshes were rapidly putting all the crews in the sick ba\-, 
while the clouds of gnats and mosquitoes that hung about made Jack's life 
a wretched one. They did not c\en have the pleasurable excitement of 
occasionally chasing a blockade-runner, for the wary merchants of New 
Orleans knew that there was absolutely no hope of running a vessel out 
through a river so effectually blockaded. And so the sailors idled away 
their time, smoking, singing, dancing to the music of a doleful fiddle, boxing 
with home-made canvas gloves that left big spots of black and blue where 
ti. ;y struck, and generally wishing that ''Johnny Reb " would show himself 
so that they might have some excitement, even if it did cost a few lives. 

But while the blue-jackets at the mouth of the river were spemling their 
time thus idly, the people in the beleaguered city higher up were vastly 
enraged at being thus cooped up, and were laying plans to drive their 
jailers away. Occasionally they would take a small fleet of flat boats, bind 
them together, and heap them high with tar, pitch, and light wood. Then 
the whole would be towed down the river, set on fire, and drifted down 
upon the fleet. The light of the great fire could be seen far olf, ami the 
war-ships would get up steam and dodge the roaring mass of flames as it 
came surging down on the swift current. So many trials of this sort failed, 
that finally the people of the Crescent City gave up this plan in disgust. 

Their next plan seemeil for a time successful. It was at four o'clock one 
October morning that the watch on the sloop-of-war " Ivichmond " suddenly 
saw a huge dark mass so close to the ship that it seemed fairly to ha\e 
sprung from the water, and sweeping down rapidly. The alarm was <niickly 
given, and the crew beat to quarters. Over the water from the other shijis, 
now fully alarmed, came the roll of the drums beating the men to their 
guns. The dark object came on swiftly, and the word was passed from man 
to man, " It's a Confederate ram." And indeed it was the ram " Manassas," 
which the Confederates had been hard at work building in the New Orleans 
ship-yards, and on which they relied to drive the blockading squadron from 
the river. As she came rushing towards the " Richmond," two great lights 



208 BLUE-TACKETS OF '6i. 



higher up the ri\-er told of fire-rafts bearing down upon the fleet, and Ijy the 
fitful glare three smaller gun-boats were seen coming to the assistance of 
the " Manassas." Clearly the Confederates were attacking in force. 

The first volley from the fleet rattled harmlessly from the iron-clad sides 
of the " IManassas ; " and, not heeding it, she swept on and plunged into the 
side of the "Richmond." The great iron prow cut deep into the wooden 
sides of the Union vessel. Heavy oaken timbers were splintered like laths, 
and the men were violently hurled to the deck. As the ram drew away, the 
blue-jackets sprang to their guns and gave her a volley. Some of the shots 
must have penetrated her armor, for she became unmanageable. But the 
darkness prevented the officers of the " Richmond " from seeing how much 
damage they had done, and they did not follow up their advantage. The 
strange panic that the sight of a ram so often brought upon sailors of the 
old school fell on the officers of this squadron, and they began hastily get- 
ting their ships out of the river. By this time four more Confederate 
steamers had come to the aid of the ram, and were cannonading the 
Northern fleet at long range. In their hurried attempt to escape, the 
"Richmond" and the " Vincennes " had run aground. The captain of 
the latter vessel, fearing capture, determined to fire his vessel and escape 
with his crew to the " Richmond." Accordingly he laid a slow-match to 
the magazine, lighted it, and then, wrapping his shij/s colors about his 
waist in the most theatrical manner, abandoned his ship. But the plan 
was not altogether a success. As he left the ship, he was followed by a 
grizzled old sailor, who had seen too much fighting to believe in blowing 
up his own ship ; and, when he saw the smoking slow-match, he hastily 
broke off the lighted end, and without saying a word threw it into the 
water. No one observed the action, and the crew of the "Vincennes" 
watched mournfully for their good ship to go up in a cloud of smoke and 
flame. After they had watched nearly an hour, they concluded something 
was wrong, and returned to their old quarters. By this time the enemy 
had given up the conflict, and the United States navy was one ship ahead 
for the old sailor's act of insubordination. The Confederate flotilla returned 
to New Orleans, and reported that they had driven the blockaders away. 



BLUK-JACKKTS OF '61. 



209 



There was great rejoicing in the city : windows were illuminaled, and 
receptions were tendered to the officers of the Confederate fleet. l?ut, while 
the rejoicing was still going on, the Union ships came quietly back to their 
old position, and the great river was as securely closed as ever. 

About a month before the tight with the "Manassas," the blue-jackets 




of the North scored for themselves a brilliant success in the harbor of 
Pensacola. The frigate "Colorado" was lying outsiiK- the harbor of that 
city, within clear view of the city front. For some wet'ks the sailors had 
been greatly interested in watching the activity of iienple on shore around 
a small schooner that was lying in a basin near the navy-yard. .With a 
harbor so thoroughly blockaded as was that of Pensacola, there seemed 



:ro BLUE-IACKETS OF "oi. 



really no need of new vessels ; and the haste of the Confederates seemed 
inexplicable, until they saw. through their glasses men at work mounting 
a heavy pivot-gun amidships. That made it clear that another privateer 
was being fitted out to ravage the seas and burn all vessels flying the 
United States flag. The gallant tars of the "Colorado" determined to go 
in and burn the privateer before she should have a chance to escape. It 
was an undertaking of great peril. The schooner was near the navy-yard, 
where one thousand men were ready to spring to her assistance at the first 
alarm. On the dock fronting the navy-yard were mounted a ten-inch column 
biad and a twelve-pounder field-piece, so placed as to command the deck 
of the schooner and the wharf to which she was moored. Fort Pensacola, 
not" far distant, was full of Confederate troops^ But the Union sailors 
thought that the destruction of the privateer was of enough importance 
to warrant the risk, and they determined to try the adventure. 

Accordingly, on the first dark night, four boats, containing one hundred 
officers, sailors, and marines, put off from the side of the " Colorado," and 
headed. for the town. All was done with the most perfect silence. The 
tholes pf.ithe oars, were wrapped in cloth to deaden their rattle in the row- 
locks. No lights were carried. Not a word was spoken after the officers 
in muffled tones had given the order, " Give way." Through the dark- 
ness of the night the heavy boats glide on. Every man aboard has his 
work laid out for him, and each knows what he is to do. While the 
m'ain body are to be engaged in beating back the guards, some are to spike 
the guns, and others to fire the schooner in several places. When within 
a hundred yards of the schooner, they are discovered by the sentry. As 
his ringing hail comes over the water, the sailors make no reply, but bend 
to the oars, and the boats fairly leap toward the wharf. Bang ! goes the 
sentry's, rifle ; and the men in the hold of the schooner come rushing up 
j.ust as the two boats dash against her side, and the sailors spring like 
cats over the bulwarks. . One man was found guarding the guns on the 
wharf, and was shot down. Little time is needed to spike the guns, and 
then those on the wharf turn in to help their comrades on the schooner. 
Here tlie fighting is sharp and hand to hand. Nearly a hundred men are 




liKSTRUCTION OK THK S(,Hoij.NKK "JIMAH.- 



BI,U1':-JA{ Kiel's OK '61 



crowtlcd on the deck, and deal pistol-shots and cutlass-blmvs right and left. 
Several of the crew ol the schooner have climbed into the tojis, and from 
that point of vantage pour down on the attacl<ing jiarty a murderous fire. 
Horrid yells go up from the enraged combatants, and the roar of the 
musketry is deafening. The crew of the schooner arc forced backward, 
step by step, until at last they are driven off the vessel altogether, and 
stand on the wharf delivering a rapid fire. The men from the navy-yard 
are beginning to pour down to the wharf to take a hand in the fight. But 
now a column of smoke begins to arise from the open companionway ; and 
the blue-jackets see that their work is done, anil tumble over the side 
into their boats. It is high time for them to leave, for the Confederates 
are on the wharf in overwhelming force. As they stand there, crowded 
together, the retiring sailors open on them with canister from two 
howitzers in the boats. Si.\ rounds of this sort of firing sends the 
Confederates looking for shelter ; and the sailors jnill off through the 
darkness to their ship, there to watch the burning vessel, until, with 
a sudden burst of flame, she is blown to pieces. 

Considering the dashing nature of this e.Kploit, the loss of life was 
wonderfully small. Lieut. Blake, who commanded one of the boats, was 
saved by one of those strange accidents so common in war. As he 
was going over the side of the "Colorado," some one handed him a metal 
flask filled with brandy, to be used for the wounded. He dropped it into 
the lower pocket of his overcoat, but, finding it uncomfortable there, 
changed it to the side pocket of his coat, immediately over his he,art. 
When the boats touched the side of the schooner, Blake was one of the 
first to spring into the chains antl clamber aboard. Just as he was sjiring- 
ing over the gunwale, a Confederate sailor pointed a pistol at his heart, and 
fired it just as Blake cut him down with a savage cutlass-stroke. The 
bullet sped true to its mark, but struck the flask, and had just enough 
force to perforate it, without doing any injury to the lieutenant. 

The first death in the fight was a sad one. A marine, the first man to 
board the schooner, lost his distinguishing white cap in his leap. His 
comrades followed fast behind him, and, seeing that he wore no cap, took 



:I4 BLUE-TACKETS OF '6i 



him for one of the enemy, and plunged their bayonets deep in his breast, 
killing him instantly. He was known to his comrades as John Smith, 
but on searching his bag letters were found proving that this was not his 
own name. One from his mother begged him to return home, and give up 
his roving life. He proved to be a well-educated young man, who through 
fear of some disgrace had enlisted in the marines to hide himself from the 
world. 

Another dashing event occurred on the Gulf Coast some months later, 
although in this instance the Confederates were the assailants and the 
victors. Galveston had for some time been in the hands of the Union 
forces, and was occupied by three regiments of United States troops. In 
the harbor lay three men-of-war, whose cannon kejit the town in subjection. 
It had been rumored for some time that the Confederates were planning to 
re-capture the city, and accordingly the most vigilant lookout was kept 
from all the ships. On the 1st of January, 1863, at half-past one a.m., as 
the lookout on the "Harriet Lane" was thinking of the new year just 
ushered in, and wondering whether before the end of that year he could see 
again his cdsey Northern home and wife and friends, he saw far up the river 
a cloud of black smoke, that rose high in the air, and blotted from sight 
the shinin-g winter stars. He rubbed his eyes, and looked again. There 
was no mistake: the smoke was there, ami rapidly moving toward him. 
Clearly it was a steamer coming down the river; but whether an armed 
enemy or a blockade-runner, he could not say. He gave the alarm ; and in 
a moment the roll of the drums made the sailors below spring from their 
hammocks, and, hastily throwing on their clothes, rush on deck. The 
drums beat to quarters, and the crew were soon at their guns. Over the 
water came the roll of the drums from the other ships, and from the troops 
on shore, now all aroused and in arms For thirty hours the Federals had 
been expecting this attack, and now they were fully ]irepared for it. 

The attacking vessels came nearer, and the men on the Union ships 
strained their eyes to see by the faint starlight what manner of craft they 
had to meet. They proved to be two large river-steamships, piled high 
with cotton-bales, crowded with armed men, and jirox'ided with a few held- 




CAI'llKI ilK ■nil- "HAKNIKT LANE.' 



ELUK-JACKliTS OF '6i. 21; 



pieces. Clenrly they were only dangerous at close quarters, and the 
"Lane" at once began a rapid fire to beat them back. But the bad light 
spoiled her gunners' aim, and she determined to rush upon the enemy, and 
run him down. The Confederate captain managed hi.s lielm skilfully, and 
the "Lane" struck only a glancing blow. Then, in her turn, the "Lane" 
was rammed by the Confederate steamer, which plunged into her with a 
crash and a shock which seemed almost to lift the ships out of water. The 
two vessels drifted apart, the "Lane" hardly injured, but the Confederate 
with a gaping wound in his bow wdiich sent him to the bottom in fifteen 
minutes. But now the other Confederate came bearing down under a full 
head of steam, and crashed into the " Lane." Evidently the Confederates 
wanted to fight in the old style ; for they threw out grappling-irons, lashed 
the two ships side to side, and began pouring" on to the deck of the 
h^ederal ship for a hand-to-hand conflict. Cries of anger and pain, pistol- 
shots, cutlass blows, and occasional roars from the howitzers rose on the 
night air, and were answered by the sounds of battle from the shore, where 
the Confederates had attacked the slender Union garrison. The sinking 
steamer took up a position near the " Lane," and poured broadside after 
broadside upon the struggling Union ship. But wdicre were tlie other three 
Union vessels all this time.' It seemed as though their commanders had 
lost all their coolness ; for they ran their vessels here and there, now tr\ ing 
to do something to help their friends on shore, now making an ineffectual 
attempt to aid the " Harriet Lane." But on board that vessel matters 
were going badly for the Federals. The Confederates in great numbers 
kept pouring over the bulwarks, and were rai)idly driving the crew from the 
deck. Capt. Wainwright lay dead at the tloor of the cabin. Across his 
body stood his young son, his eyes blazing, his hair waving in the wind. 
He held in his right hand a huge revolver, which he was firing without 
aim into the tossing" mass of struggling men before him, while he called on 
his dead father to rise and help him. A stray bullet cut off two of his 
fingers, and the pain was too much for the little hero onl)- ten years old ; 
and, dropping the pistol, he burst into tears, crying, " Do you want to kill 
me.'" The blue-jackets began to look anxiously for help toward the other 



2l8 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



vessels. But, even while they looked, they saw all hope of help cut off ; for 
with a crash and a burst of flame the " Westfield " blew up. It turned 
out later, that, finding his ship aground, the captain of the "Westfield" 
had determined to abandon her, and fire the magazine; but in fi.xing his 
train he made a fatal error, and the ship blew up, hurling captain and crew 
into the air. The men on the " Harriet Lane " saw that all hope was gone, 
and surrendered their ship. When the captains of the two remaining 
gunboats saw the stars and stripes fall from the peak, they turned their 
vessels' prows toward the sea, and scudded out of danger of capture. At 
the same moment, cheers from the gray-coats on shore told that the Con- 
federates had been successful both by land and sea, and the stars and bars 
once more floated over Galveston. 




Si',, !■«.'' .: ■: ■,*T 



' MA 




CHAPTER XIII. 



THE CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS. — FARRAOUTS FLEET PASSE.S FORT ST. 
PHILIP AND FORT J.ACKSON. 




HILE Commodore Footc, with his flotilla of gunboats and mor- 
tar-boats, was working his way down the Mississippi River, 
making occasional dashes into the broad streams that flow from 
either side into the father of waters. Admiral Farragut, with his 
fleet of tall-sparred, ocean-going men-of-war, was laying liis plans for an 
expedition up-stream. But Farragut's first obstacle lay very near the mouth 
of the broad, tawny river that flows for a thousand miles through the centre 
of the United States. New Orleans, the greatest city of the Confederacy, 
stands on the river's bank, only ninety miles from the blue waters of the 
Gulf of Mexico. The Confederate authorities knew the value of this great 
city to their cause, and were careful not to let it go unprotected. Long 
before any thought of civil war disturbed the minds of the people of the 
United States, the Federal Government had built below the Crescent City 
two forts, that peered at each other across the swift, turbid tide of the 
Mississippi River. Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson they were called, 
the latter being named in honor of the stubborn okl militar)' hero who 
beat back the British soldiers at the close of the war of 1S12 on the 
glorious field of Chalmette near New Orleans. P^ort Jackson was a huge 

219 



220 r.i.ri;-i.\rKi;is oi' '(.i. 



s 



star of stone and mortar. In its massive walls were great cavernous bomb- 
proofs in wbioh the soldiers were secure from burstini;' shells. It stood 
back about a lunulred yaids from the lewe, and its casemates just rose 
above the lui_t;e dike that keeps the Mississippi in its pi'oper channel. 
When the ri\er was hii;h from the spring Ihiods ot the north, a steamer 
floating on its swift tide towered high above the bastions of the fort. In 
the casemates and on the parapets were mounted seventy-fi\e guns of all 
calibres. By its peculiar shape and situation on a jutting point of huul, the 
fort was able to bring its guns to bear upon the river in three tlirections. 

When the storm of ci\il war burst upon the couiitr\-, the Confederates 
of New Orleans were prompt to seize this ami Fort St. Philip, that stood 
on the other side of the ri\er. They found I'ort Jackson in the state of 
general decay into which most army posts fall in times of peace, anil they 
set at work at once to strengthen it. -All mcr the parapet, bomb-proofs, 
and weak points, bags of sand were piled five or six feet deep, making the 
strongest defence known in war. Steamers plied up and down the river, 
bringing provision, ammunition, and new cannon, and soon the fort was 
ready to stand the most determined siege, l-'ort St. Philip, across the 
river, though not so imposing a military work, was more jiowerful. It was 
built of niasomy, and heavily sodiled ovei' all points exposed to fire. It 
was more irregular in shape than Fort Jackson, and with its guns seemed 
to command every point on the river. Poth were ampl\- protected from 
storming by wide, deep moats always tilled with water. 

TrT these two forts were stationed troops made up of the finest young 
men of New Orleans. l"or them it was a gay station. Far removeel from 
the fighting on the frontier, and within an easy journey of their homes, 
they frolicked away the first year of the war. Every week gay parties of 
pleasure-seekers from New Orleans would come down ; and the proud de- 
fenders would take their friends to the frowning bastions, and point out how 
easily they could blow the enemx's fleet out of water if the ships ever came 
within range of those heavy guns. lUit the ships did not come within range 
of the guns for many months. They contenteil themseh'es with lying at 
the Head of the Passes, and stoiiping all intercourse with the outer world, 



BLUE-JACK i;i'S OK Yji. 



2 2 1 




uiilil New Orleans began to -ct shabby and ragged and luingry, and the 
pleasure-parties came less often lo the forts, and the gay young soldiers 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



saw their uniforms getting old and tattered, l-)ut knew not where to get the 
cloth to replace them. 

In the city no rumble of commerce was heard on the streets. Grass 
grew on the deserted levee, where in times of peace the brown and white 
cotton bales were ])iled by the thousand, waiting for strong black hands to 
seize and swing them upon the decks of the trim Liverpool packets, that 
lay three or four deep along the river front. The huge gray custom-house 
that stood at the foot of Canal Street no longer resounded with the rapid 
tread of sea-captains or bus\- merchants, b'rom the pipes of the cotton- 
presses, the rush of the escaping steam, as the ruthless press squeezed 
the great bale into one-third its original size, was no longer heard. Most 
of the great towering steamboats that came rushing down the river with 
stores of cotton or sugar hatl long since been cut down into squat, power- 
ful gunboats, or were tied up idlv to the bank. Across the river, in the 
ship-}'ards of Algiers, there seemed a little more life ; for there workmen 
were busy changing peaceful merchant vessels into gunboats and rams, 
that were, the people fondly hoped, to drive away the men-of-war at the 
river's mouth and save the city from starvation. From time to time the 
streets of the city resounded with the notes of drum and fife, as one after 
the other the militia companies went otf to the front and the fighting. 
Then the time came when none were left save the "Confederate Guards," 
old gray-haired men, judges, bankers, merchants, gentlemen of every 
degree, too old for active service at the front, but too young not to 
burn for the gi-asp of a gun or sword while they knew that their sons 
and grandsons were fighting on the blood-stained soil of Virginia and 
Tennessee. 

But, while the city was gradually falling into desolation and decay, 
preparations were being made by the Federal navy for its capture. On 
the 2d of February, 1862, Admiral Farragut sailed from Hampton Roads 
in his stanch frigate the " Hartfonl," to take connuand of a naval 
expedition intended to capture New Orleans. The place of rendezvous 
was Ship Island, a sandy island in the Gulf of Mexico. Here he organized 
his squadron, and started for his post in the Mississippi, below the forts. 



BLUE-IACKKTS OF '6i. 



The first obstacle was found at the mouth of the river, where the heavy 
war-vessels were unable to make their way over the bar. Nearly two weeks 
were occupied in the work of lightening these ships until they were able 
to pass. The frigate "Colorado" was unable to get over at all. The " Pen- 
sacola " was dragged through the mud by the sheer strength of other 
vessels of the expedition. While they were tugging at her, a huge hawser 
snapped with a report like a cannon, and the flying ends killed two men 
and seriously wounded five others. But at last the fleet was safely past 
all obstacles, and Admiral Farragut founil himself well established in the 
lower Mississippi, with a force of twenty-five men-of-war, and twenty mortar- 
schooners ; one of the most powerful armadas ever despatched against 
an enemy. Farragut lost no time in getting his ships prepared for the 
baptism of fire which was sure to come. While he was diligently at work 
on his preparations, he was visited by some French and English naval 
officers, who had carefully examined the defences of the Confederates, and 
came to warn him that to attack the forts with wooden vessels, such as 
made up his fleet, was sheer madness, and would only result in defeat. 
" You may be right," answered the brave old sailor, " but I was sent here 
to make the attempt. I came here to reduce or pass the forts, and to 
take New Orleans, and I shall try it on." The foreigners remarked that 
he was going to certain destruction, and politely withdrew. 

In the mean time, the tars on the mortar-fleet were working industriously 
to get their ships in fighting-trim. The topmasts were stripped of their 
sails, and lowered ; the loose and standing rigging frapped to the masts ; 
the spars, forebooms, and gaffs unshipped, and secured to the outside of 
the vessels to avert the danger from splinters, which, in naval actions, is 
often greater than from the shots themselves. From the main-deck every 
thing was removed that could obstruct the easy handling of the tremendous 
mortars ; and the men were drilled to skill and alertness in firing the huge 
engines of death. The work was hastened on the mortar-schooners, 
because the plan was to rush them into position, and let them harass 
the Confederates with a steady bombardment, while the ships-of-war were 
preparing for their part in the coming fight. 



224 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



The mortar-fleet was under command of Admiral Porter, an able and 
energetic officer. He soon had his ships ready, and began moving them 
into position along the banks of the river, out of sight of the forts. To 
further conceal them from the gunners in the forts, he had the masts 
and rigging wrapped with green foliage ; so that, lying against the dense 
thickets of willows that skirt that part of the river, they were invisible. 
Other boats that were in more exposed positions had their hulls covered 
with grass and reeds, so that they seemed a part of the swamp that 
bordered the river. After the line of fire liad been obtained by a careful 
mathematical survey. Porter got all his mortar-boats into position, and 
began his bombardment. The gunners on tlie mortar-boats could not 
see the forts ; but the range had been calculated for them, and they merely 
fired mechanically. A lookout, perched on the masthead, could see over 
the low willow-forest, and watch the course of the shells as they rushed 
high into the air, and tlien, falling with a graceful curve, plunged into 
tlie forts. The firing was begun on the i6th of April, and was kept up 
with a will. The twenty huge mortars keeping up a constant fire, made 
a deafening roar that shook the earth, and could be heard far up the 
river at New Orleans, where the people poured out into the streets, and 
gayly predicted defeat for any enemy who should attack "the boys in the 
forts." The forts were not slow in returning the fire ; but as the mortar- 
vessels were hidden, and did not offer very large marks, their fire was 
rather ineffective. Parties of Confederates, old swamp-hunters, and skilled 
riflemen, stole down through the dense thickets, to pick off the crews 
of the mortar-schooners. They managed to kill a few gunners in this 
way, but were soon driven away by the point-blank fire of the support- 
ing gunboats. But all this time the shells were falling thick and fast, 
driving the soldiers to the bomb-]3roofs, and tearing to pieces every thing 
unprotected. One shell set fire to some wooden structures that stood 
on the parade-ground in Fort Jackson ; and, as the smoke and flames rose 
in the air, the gunners down the river thougiit that the fort was burning, 
and cheered and fired with renewed vigor. The shells that burst upon 
the levee soon cut great trenches in it, so that the mighty Mississippi broke 



liLUE-TACKETS OF '6i 



through with a rush, and flooded the country all about. But the forts 
seemed as strong and unconquered as ever. 

While the soldiers were crowded together in the bomb-proofs to escape 
the fl)ing bits of shell, the sailors on the little fleet of Confederate vessels 
anchored above them w-^re busily engaged in getting ready a fire-raft 
which was to float down the river, and make havoc among the vessels of 
the Union fleet. Two such rafts were i)repared ; one of which, an immense 
affair, carrying cords of blazing pine-wood, was sent down in the early 
morning at a time when the \essels were utterly unprepared to defend 
themselves. Luckily it grounded on a sandbar, and Inirned and crackled 
away harmlessly until it was consumed. This warned Commander Porter 
of the danger in which his mortar-vessels were of a second attack of the 
same nature; and accordingly he put in readiness one hundred and fifty 
small boats with picked crews, and well supplied with a.\es and grapnels, 
whose duty it was to grapple any future rafts, and tow them into a harmless 
position. They did not have long to wait. At sundown that night. Com- 
mander Porter reviewed his little squadron of row-boats as they lay drawn 
up in line along the low marshy shores of the mighty rivei". The siui 
sank a glowing red ball beneath the line at which the blue waters of the 
giflf and the blue arch of hea\-en seemed to meet. The long southern twi- 
light gradually deepened into a black, moonless night. The cries of frogs 
and seabirds, and the little flashes of the fireflies, were sUenced and blotted 
out by the incessant roar and flash of the tremendous mortars that kept up 
their deadly work. Suddenly in the distance the sky grows red and lurid. 
" The fort is burning ! " cry the men at the guns; but from the masthead 
comes the response, "No, the fire is on the river. It is another fire-raft." 
The alarm was instantly given to all the vessels of the fleet. Bright 
colored signal-lights blazed on the decks, and the dark, slender cordage 
stood out against the brilliant red and green fires that flickered strangely 
upon the dark wooded banks of the river. Rockets rushed high into the 
air, and, bursting, let fall a shower of party-colored lights that told the 
watchers far down the river that danger was to be expected. Then 
the signal-lights went out, and all was dark and silent save where the lurid 



226 BLUE-IACKETS OF '6i. 



glare of the great mass of fire could be seen floating in the great curves of 
the tortuous river toward the crowded ships. It was a time of intense 
suspense. The little flotilla of fire-boats, organized by Commander Porter 
that day, was on the alert; and the blue-jackets bent to their oars with a 
will, and soon had their boats ranged along a bend far above the fleet. 
Here they waited to catch the fiery monster, and save the fleet. The 
danger came nearer fast. Rapidly the flames increased in volume, until 
the whole surrounding region was lighted up by the glare ; while from the 
floating fire, a huge black column of smoke arose, and blended with the 
clouds that glowed as though they themselves were on fire. When 
the raft came into view around a point, it was seen to be too big for the 
boats to handle unaided, and two gunboats slipped their cables, and started 
for the thing of terror. From every side the row-boats dashed at the raft. 
Some grappled it, and the sailors tugged lustily at their oars, seeking to 
drag the mass of flames toward the shnre. Then the " Westfield," under 
full head of steam, dashed furiously against the raft, crashing in the timbers 
and sending great clouds of sparks flying high in the air. Then from her 
hose-pipes she poured floods of water on the crackling, roaring, blazing- 
mass ; while all the time, with her powerful engines, she was pushing it 
toward the shore. 

In the mean time, the sailors from the fleet of small boats were swarm- 
ing upon the raft wherever they could find a foot-hold free from flame. 
Some carrying buckets dashed water upon the flames, some with a.xes cut 
loose flaming timbers, and let them float harmlessly down the j"iver. It 
was a fight in which all the men were on one side; but it was a grand 
sight, and was eagerly watched by those on the imperilled vessels. The 
immediate arena of the conflict was bright as day, but all around was 
gloom. At last the pluck and determination of the men triumph over 
the flames. The raft, flaming, smouldering, broken, is towed out of the 
channel, and left to end its life in fitful flashes on a sandy point. The 
returning boats are greeted with cheers, and soon darkness and silence fall 
upon the scene. The mortars cease their thunderous work for the night ; 
and ere long the only sounds heard are the rush of the mighty waters, 




FIRE-RAFT AT FORTS OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 



BLUK-JACKETS OF '6i. 229 



or the faint cry of the night-birds in the forest. The sentinel pacing 
the deck peers in vain through the gloom. War gives way for a time to 
rest. 

Hardly had the gray dawn begun to appear, when the roll of the drums 
on the decks of the ships was heard; and, soon after, the roar of the opening 
gun was heard from one of the mortar-schooners. Again the bombardment 
was opened. The twenty boats in the mortar-fleet were divided into three 
divisions, each of which fired for two hours in succession, and then stopped 
for a time to allow the great cannon to cool. Thus a continuous bombard- 
ment was kept up, and the soldiers in the forts were given no time to 
repair the damages caused by the bursting shells. Every mortar was 
fired once in five minutes ; so that one shell was hurled towards the fort 
about every minute, while sometimes three shells would be seen sweeping 
with majestic curves through the air at the same time. The shells weighed 
two hundred and fifteen pounds; and when they were hurled into the air 
by the explosion of twenty pounds of powder, the boat bearing the mortar 
was driven down into the water si.K or eight inches, and the light railings 
and woodwork of buildings at the I-5alize, thirty miles away, were shattered 
by the concussion. The shells rose high in the air, with an unearthly 
shriek, and after a curve of a mile and a half fell into or near the forts, 
and, bursting, threw their deadly fragments in all directions. Day after 
day, and night after night, this went on. If the men on the mortar- 
schooners showed bravery and endurance in keeping up so exhausting a 
fire so steadily, what shall we say for the men in the forts who bore up 
against it so nobly.' Before noon of the first day of the bombardment, 
the soldiers of Fort Jackson saw their barracks burnetl, with their clothing, 
bedding, and several days' rations. .Shells were pouring in uiion them from 
vessels that they could not see. The smooth-bore guns moimted in the 
embrasiu'cs would hardly send a shot to the nearest of the hostile gunboats. 
Then the river broke through its banks, and half the fort was transft)rmed 
into a morass. An officer in Fort Jackson said, after the surrender, that in 
two hours over one hundred shells had fallen upon the parade-ground of that 
work, tearing it up terribly. For si.x days this terrible fire was endured; 



230 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



and during the latter half of the bombardment the water stood knee deep 
on the gun-platforms, and the gunners worked at their guns until their 
shoes, soaked for days and days, fairly fell from their feet. For bed and 
bedding they had the wet earth, for rations raw meat and mouldy bread. 
If there were glory and victory for the Union sailors, let there at least be 
honor and credit granted the soldiers of the gray for the dogged courage 
with which they bore the terrible bombardment from Porter's flotilla. 

While the mortars were pounding away through those six long days and 
nights, Farragut was getting ready to take his ships past the forts. Union 
scouts and spies had travelled over every foot of land and water about the 
forts ; and the exact strength of the Confederates, and the difficulties to be 
overcome, were clearly known to the Federal admiral. One of the chief 
obstructions was a chain of rafts and old hulks that stretched across the 
channel by which the fleet would be obliged to ascend the river. Under 
cover of a tremendous fire from all the mortars, two gunboats were sent up 
to remove this obstruction. The night was dark and favorable to the 
enterprise, and the vessels reached the chain before they were discovered. 
Then, under a fierce cannonade from the forts, Lieut. Caldwell put off in a 
row-boat from his vessel, boarded one of the hulks, and managed to break 
the chain. The string of hulks was quickly swept ashore by the swift 
current, and the channel was open for the ascent of the Union fleet. 

On the 23d of April, Farragut determined that his fleet should make the 
attempt to get past the forts the following day. He knew that the enemy 
must be exhausted with the terrible strain of Porter's bombardment, and 
he felt that the opportunity had arrived for him to make a successful dash 
for the upper river. The fleet was all prc]5ared for a desperate struggle. 
Many of the captains had daubed the sides of their vessels with the river 
mud, that they might be less prominent marks for the Confederate gunners. 
The chain cables of all the vessels were coiled about vulnerable parts, or 
draped over the sides amidships to protect the boilers. Knowing that it 
was to be a night action, the gun-decks had been whitewashed ; so that even 
b)' the dim, uncertain light of the battle lanterns, the gunners could see 
plainly all objects about them. Hammocks and nettings were stretched 




BREAKING THE CHAIN. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



above the decks to catch flying splinters from the spars overhead. Late 
at night the admiral in his longboat was pulled from ship to ship to view 
the preparations, made, and see that each captain fully understood his 
orders. 

It was two o'clock on the morning of the 24th of April, when the Con- 
federates on the parapets of their forts might have heard the shrill notes 
of fifes, the steady tramp of men, the sharp clicking of capstans, and the 
grating of chain cables passing through the hawse-holes on the ships below. 
Indeed, it is probable that these sounds were heard at the forts, and were 
understood, for the Confederates were on the alert when the ships came 
steaming up the river. 

They formed in a stately line of battle, headed by the "Cayuga." As 
they came up the stream, the gunners in the forts could see the mastheads 
over the low willow thickets that bordered the banks of the stream. The 
line of obstructions was reached and passed, and then the whole furious fire 
of both forts fell upon the advancing ships. Gallantly they kept on their 
way, firing thunderous broadsides from each side. And, while the ships 
were under the direct fire of the forts, the enemy's fleet came dashing- 
down the river to dispute the way. This was more to the taste of Farragut 
and his boys in blue. They were tired of fighting stone walls. In the van 
of the Confederate squadron was the ram " Manassas," that had created 
such a panic among the blockading squadron a month before. She plunged 
desperately into the fight. The great frigate "Brooklyn" was a prominent 
vessel in the Union line, and at her the ram dashed. The bold hearts on 
the grand old frigate did not seek to avoid the conflict, and the two vessels 
rushed together. The ram struck the " Brooklyn " a glancing blow ; and 
th$ shot from her one gun was returned by a hail of cannon-balls from the 
frigate's tremendous broadside, many of which broke through the n"on 
plating. Nothing daunted, the ram backed off and rushed at the frigate 
again. This time she struck full on the frigate's side. The shock was 
terrible. Men on the gun-deck of the ram were hurled to the deck, 
with the blood streaming from their nostrils. The frigate keeled over 
farther and farther, until all thought that she would be bqnic .beneath the 



;#.^" 




RAM "lENNKSSEE- .\ I MOBILK HAV. 



BLUK-JACKETS OF '6i. 235 



water by the ]ires.siire of the ram. All the time the spiteful bow-gun of 
the iron monster was hurling its bolts into her hull. ]iut the blow of the 
ram had done no damage, for she had struck one of the coils of chain that 
had been hung down the " Brooklyn's " side. The two vessels slowly swung 
apart ; and, after a final broadside from the " Brooklyn," the " Manassas " 
drifted away in the pitchy darkness to seek for new adversaries. She was 
not long in finding one ; for as the gray dawn was breaking she suddenly 
fountl herself under the very bows of the " Mississippi," which was bearing 
down upon her and seemed sure to run her down. The captain of the 
"Manassas" was an able steersman, and neatly dodged the blow; but in 
this quick movement he ran his vessel ashore, and she lay there under the 
guns of the " Mississippi," and unable to bring any of her own guns to bear. 
The captain of the frigate was not slow in taking advantage of this chance 
to be revenged for all the trouble she had given the I'nion fleet ; and he 
took up a good position, and pounded away with his heavy guns at the iron 
monster. The heavy shots crashed through the iron plating and came 
plunging in the portholes, seeking every nook and cranny about the vessel. 
It was too much for men to stand, and the crew of the " Manassas " fled to 
the woods ; while their vessel was soon set on fire with red-hot shots, and 
blew up with a tremendous report soon after. 

In the mean time, the ships of the Union fleet were doing daring work, 
and meeting a determined resistance. The flag-ship " Hartford " was met 
by a tug which pushed a huge burning fire-raft against her sides. There 
the flaming thing lay right up against the port-holes, the flames catching the 
tarred rigging, and running up the masts. Farragut walked his cpiarter- 
deck as coolly as though the ship was on parade. " Don't flinch from that 
fire, boys," he sang out, as the flames rushed in the port-holes, and drove 
the men from their guns. "There's a hotter fire than that for those who 
don't do their duty. Give that rascally little tug a shot, and don't let 
her go off with a whole coat." But the tug did get away, after all ; and no 
one can feel sorry that men plucky enough to take an unarmed tug into a 
terrible fight of frigates and ironclads should escape with their lives. The 
men on the " Hartftjrd " fou"ht the flames with hose and buckets, and at 



236 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



last got rid of their dangerous neighbor. Then they saw a steamer 
crowded with men rushing toward the flag-ship without firing a shot, and 
evidently intending to board. Capt. Broome, with a crew of marines, was 
working a bow-gun on the " Hartford." Carefully he trained the huge 
piece upon the approaching steamer. He stepped back, stooped for a last 
glance along the sights, then with a quick [mil of the lanyard the great 
gun went off with a roar, followed instantly by a louder explosion from the 
attacking steamer. When the smoke cleared away, all looked eagerly for 
the enemy ; but she had vanished as if by magic. That single shot, striking 
her magazine, had blown her up with all on board. 

Much of the hardest fighting was done by the smaller vessels on either 
side. The little Confederate "cotton-clad" "Governor Moore" made a 
desiierate fight, dashing through the Union fleet, taking and giving broad- 
sides in every direction. The Union vessel "Varuna" also did daring work, 
and naturally these two ships met in desperate conflict. After exchanging 
broadsides, the "Governor Moore " rammed her adversary, and, while bear- 
ing down on her, received a severe raking fire from the "Varuna." The 
"Governor Moore" was in such a position that none of her guns could be 
brought to bear ; but her captain suddenly depressed the muzzle of his bow- 
gun, and sent a shot crashing through Itis inoii deck and side, and deep into 
the hull of the "Varuna." The vessels soon parted, but the "Varuna" 
had received her death-wound, and sank in shallow water. The " Governor 
Moore " kept on her way, but was knocked to pieces by the fire from the 
heavy guns of the frigates shortly after. 

And so the battle raged for five hours. To recount in full the deeds 
of valor done, would be to tell the story of each ship engaged, and would 
require volumes. Witnesses who saw the fight from the start were deeply 
impressed by the majesty of the scene. It was like a grand panorama. 
" From almost perfect silence, — the steamers moving through the water 
like phantom shii)S, — one incessant roar of heavy cannon commenced, 
the Confederate forts and gunboats opening together on the head of our 
line as it came within range. The Union vessels returned the fire as 
they came up, and soon the hundred and seventy guns of our fleet joined 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 237 

in the tluiiulcr which seemed to shake the ver\- eartli. A lurid glare 
was thrown over the scene by the burning rafts ; and, as the bombshells 
crossed each other and exploded in the air, it seemed as if a battle were 
taking place in the heavens as well as on the earth. It all ended as 
suddenly as it commenced." 

While this gigantic contest was going on in the river abreast of the 
forts, the people of New Orleans were thronging the streets, listening to 
the nnceasing roar of the great guns, and discussing, wnth [lale faces and 
anxious hearts, the outcome of the fight. " Farragut can never pass our 
forts. His wooden ships will be blown to pieces by their fire, or dashed 
into atoms by the 'Manassas,'" people said. But many listened in silence : 
they had husbands, sons, or brothers in that fearful fight, and who could 
tell that they would return alive.' By and by the firing ceased. Only an 
occasional shot broke the stillness of the morning. Then came the sus- 
pense. Had the fleet been beaten back, or was it above the forts, and 
even now sullenly steaming up to the city ? Everybody rushed for the 
housetops to look to the southward, over the low land through which the 
Mississippi winds. ^'\n hour's waiting, and they see curls of smoke rising 
above the trees, then slender dark lines moving along above the treetops. 
"Are they our ships.''" every one cries; and no one answers until the 
dark lines are seen to be crossed by others at right angles. They are 
masts with yard-arms, masts of sea -going vessels, the masts of the 
m\-ader's fleet. A cry of grief, of fear, of rage, goes up from the house- 
tops. "To the levee!" cry the men, and soon the streets resound with 
the rush of many feet toward the river. " The ri\'er is crooked, and its 
current swift. It will be hours before the Yankees can arrive ; let us burn, 
destroy, that they may find no booty." Let one who was m the sorrowful 
city that terrible April day tell the story. "I went to the river-side. There, 
until far into the night, I saw hundreds of drays carrying cotton out of 
the presses and yards to the wharves, where it was fired. The glare 
of those sinuous miles of flame set men and women weeping and wailing 
thirty miles away, on the farther shore of Lake Pontchartrain. But the 
next day was the day of terrors. During the night, fear, wrath, and sense 



^jS ^ BLUf:-IACKE'J'S OF '6i. 



of betrayal, had run through the people as the fire had run through the 
cotton. You have seen, perhaps, a family fleeing, with lamentations and 
wringing of hands, out of a burning house ; multiply it by thousands upon 
thousands: that was New Orleans, though the houses were not burning 
The firemen were out ; but they cast fire on the waters, putting the 
torch to the empty ships and cutting them loose to float down the river. 

"Whoever could go was going. The great mass that had no place 
to go to, or means to go with, was beside itself. ' Betrayed ! betrayed ! ' 
it cried, and ran in throngs from street to street, seeking some vent, some 
'victim for its wrath. I saw a crowd catch a poor fellow at the corner 
of Magazine and. Common Streets, whose crime was that he looked like 
a stranger, and might be a spy. He was the jaalest living man I ever saw. 
They swung him to a neighboring lamp-post; but the Foreign Legion was 
patroling the town in strong squads, and one of its lieutenants, all green 
and gold, leaped with drawn svyord, cut the rope, and saved the man. 
This was one occurrence'; there were many like it. I stood in the rear 
door of our .store, Canal Street, soon after re-opening it. The junior of 
the firm was within. I called him to look toward the river. The masts 
of the cutter ' Washington ' were slowly tipping, declining, sinking — down 
she went. The gunboat moored next her began to smoke all oyer and 
then to blaze. M)' employers lifted up their heels and left the city, left 
their goods and their affairs in the hands of one mere lad — no stranger 
would have thought I had reached fourteen — and one big German porter. 
I closed the doors, sent the porter to his place in the Foreign Legion-, 
and ran to the levee to see the sights. 

"What a gathering! — the riff-raff of the wharves, the town, the gutters. 
Such women ! such wrecks of women ! and all the juvenile rag-tag. 
The lower steamboat-landing, well covered with sugar, rice, and molasses, 
was being rifled. The men smashed; the women scooped up the smash- 
ings. The river was overflowing the top of the levee. A rain-storm began 
to threaten. 'Are the Yankee ships in sight.''' I asked of an idler. He 
pointed out the tops of their naked, masts as they showed up across the 
huge bend of the river. They vvere engaging the batteries at Camp 




NKA iikLI.W-. (IN THK AI'l'Kl lAUl OK THE FLEET. 



BLUE-J'^t:KETS OF '6i. 241 

Clialmette, the old field nf Jackson's renown. I'lesently that was over. 
Ah, me ! I see them now as they come slowly round Slaughterhouse Point, 
into full view ; silent, so grim and terrible, black with men, heavy with 
deadly portent, the long banished stars and stripes flying against the 
frowning sky. Oh for the 'Mississippi,' the 'Mississippi!' Just then 
she came down upon them. But how.' Drifting helijlessl)-, a mass of 
flames. 

"The crowds on the levcc howled and screamed with rage. The swarm- 
ing decks answered never a word ; but one old tai- on the ' Hartford,' 
standing with lanyard in hand, beside a great pi\-ot-gun, so plain to view 
that you could see him smile, silently patted its big black breech and 
blandly grinned." 

As the masts of the ffeet came up the river, a young man stepped out 
upon the roof of the City Hall, and swiftly hoisted the flag of the State of 
Louisiana. When the ships came up, two officers were sent ashore to de- 
mand the surrender of the city ; and shoulder to shoulder the two old sailors 
marched through a howling, cursing mob to the City Hall. The mayor 
refused to surrender the city, saying that Farragut already had captured 
it. The officers went back to their ships, and the flag still floated. Two 
days later the officers, with a hundred sailors and marines, returned and 
demanded that the flag be hauled down. No one in the city would tear it 
down, and the I'^cderals went up to the roof to lower it themselves. The 
street and surrounding housetops were crowded with a hostile people, all 
armed. No one could tell that the fall of the flag would not be followed 
by a volley from the undisciijlined [lopulacc. The marines in front ot the 
building stood grouped about two loaded howitzers that bore upon the 
darkly muttering crowd. Violence was in the air. .\s the two officers 
rose to go to the roof, the mayor, a young Creole, left the room and de- 
scended the stairs. Quietly he stepped out into the street, and without a 
word stood before one of the howitzers, his arms folded, eying the gunner, 
who stood with lanyard in hand, ready to lire at the word of command. 
The flag fell slowly from the staff. Not a sound arose from the crowd. 
All were watching the mayor, who stood coldly looking on death. I'he 



242 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



Federal officers came down carrying the flag. A few sharp commands, 
and the marines tramped away down the street, with the howitzers clanking 
behind them. The crowd cheered fur Mayor Monroe and dispersed, and 
New Orleans became again a city of the United States. 



,1^. \y)^ 





CHAPTER XIV. 

ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI. - FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILIP SURRENDER. - THE BATTLE 
AT ST. CHARLES. -THE RAM " ARKANSAS." - BOMBARDMENT AND CAPTURE OF PORT 
HUDSON. 




HILE New Orleans was thus excited over the capture of the city, 
the soldiers in the forts below were debating as to the course they 
should adopt. They had not surrendered ; and althiHigh the great 
bastions were pounded out of shape by the heavy guns of the fleet, 
yet they were still formidable defences, giving perfect security to the men 
in the bomb-proofs. But their case was hopeless : for Farragut was at New 
Orleans, and could cut off their supplies ; while Porter, with his mortar-boats, 
was below them, putting escape out of the question. Every now and then 
a big shell would drop on the parade, and its flying pieces would remind the 
garrison that their enemies were getting impatient. After waiting a day or 
two, Porter sent a lieutenant with a flag of truce to the fort, calling upon 
the Confederate commander to surrender the two forts and the shattered 
remnant of the Confederate navy. He complimented the Confederates 
upon their gallant defence, but warned them, that, should they refuse to 
surrender, he would recommence his bombardment with new vigor. The 
Confederates refused to surrender until they heard from New Orleans; and 
the ne.xt day the monotonous thunder of the heavy mortars began again, and 

243 



244 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



again the heavy shells began falling thick and fast upon the forts. Wearily 
the gray-coated soldiers settled down to continue what they felt must be a 
useless defence. The officers did their best to inspirit the men ; but all 
knew that a surrender must come before long, and at last the men muti- 
nously left their guns, and said the)' would fight no longer. They had borne 
without flinching a terrible bombardment, and now they felt that to fight 
longer would be a foolish sacrifice of life. Many left the forts, and ]ilungcd 
into the woods to escape the terrible shells. Gen. Duncan saw that all was 
lost, and on the night of the 28th of April sent an officer to the fleet announ- 
cing the surrender. On the following day Porter proceeded up-stream with 
his squadron, and anchored off the fort. A boat, manned by six trim sailors 
in dress uniforms, put off, and soon returned, bringing the commander of 
the defeated forces and two or three officers. They were received on the 
" Harriet Lane," and Commodore Porter had made great preparations for 
the meeting. The crews of all the vessels were dressed in snow-white 
mustering-suits, and the officers in brass-buttoned blue coats and white 
trousers. The decks were scrubbed, and all traces of the fight cleared 
away. As the Confederate officers came up to the fleet, one of them, a 
former lieutenant in the Union navy, said, " Look at the old navy. I feel 
proud when I see them. There are no half-breeds there : they are the 
simon-pure." As the Confederates came over the side. Porter stood, 
with his officers, ready to receive them. The greatest politeness was 
observed on either side; and Porter writes, "Their bearing was that of 
men who had gained a victory, instead of undergoing defeat." While 
the papers of capitulation were being signed, a message came from the deck 
that the huge Confederate ironclad "Louisiana" was drifting down upon 
them, a mass of flames, antl there was great danger that she would blow up 
in the midst of the Union fleet. "This is sharp practice, gentlemen," said 
Porter, "and some of us will perhaps be blown up; but I know what to do. 
If you can stand what is coming, we can ; but I will make it lively for those 
people if anybody in the flotilla is injured." 

" I told Lieut. Wainwright to hail the steamer ne.\t him," writes Capt. 
Porter, " and tell her captain to pass the word for the others to veer out all 



ISLUE-JAC'KI'nS OI' '6i. 245 



tlu'ir ridiiiLj-chains to the bittL-r end, and stand by to sheer clear of the burn- 
iny,- ironclad as she drifted down. I then sat down to the table, and said, 
'Gentlemen, we will proceed to sign the capitulation.' I handed the paper 
to Gen. Duncan, and looked at the Confederate officers to see how they 
would behave under the circumstances of a great ironclad dropping down 
on them, all in flames, with twenty thousand pounds of powder in her maga- 
zines. For myself, I hoped the fire would not reach the powder until the 
ship had drifted some distance below us. My greatest fear was that she 
would run foul of some of the steamers. 

"While I was thinking this over, the officers were sitting as coolly as 
if at tea-table among their friends. 

"Just then there was a stir on deck, a kind of swaying of the vessel to 
and fro, a rumbling in the air, then an explosion which seemed to shake the 
heavens. The 'Harriet Lane' was thrown two streaks over, and every 
thing in the cabin was jostled from side to side ; but not a man left his seat, 
or showed any intention of doing so. 

" I was glad that I had signed before the explosion took ]ilace, as I would 
not have liked to have my autograph look shaky." 

The destruction of the " Louisiana" was a bit of trickery on the part of 
the Confederate naval officers, which b^arragut punished by sending them 
North as close prisoners, while the army officers were granted freedom under 
[larol. So ended the Confederate control over the mouth of the Missis- 
sipi^i ; and Porter, after waiting long enough to see a blue-coat garrison in 
Forts St. Philip and Jackson, started up the river to rejoin his chief in New 
Orleans. 

But, on reaching the city, he found that the energetic admiral had 
already started out to clear tlie river of the Confederate batteries that lined 
it on either side as far up as Vicksburg. This was a service of no little 
danger, and one bringing but little satisfaction ; for no sooner had the gun- 
boats left one point, from which by hard firing they had driven the Confed- 
erates, than the latter would return in force, build up again their shattered 
earthworks, mount new guns, and be (ince more ready for battle. But more 
powerful than these little one or two gun-batteries were the Confederate 



246 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



works at Port Hudson, the destruction of which was absolutelv necessary for 
further Union successes on the great river. Between Port Hudson and 
Vicksburg, the river was completely under the control of the Confederates ; 
and it was a powerful gunboat that could hope to navigate that stretch of 
water unharmed. Farragut determined to attack Port Hudson, and set the 
14th of March, 1863, as the date for the action. 

Port Hudson batteries were perched on a high bluff that overlooks one 
of those abrupt curves around which the current of the Mississipjji River 
sweeps with such terrific force. The heavy guns bore down upon a point 
at which the ships would almost inevitably be swept out of their course by 
the swift stream, and where the river was filleil with treacherous shifting 
shoals. Naval officers all agreed that to pass those batteries was a more 
difficult task than had been the passage of the forts below New Orleans ; yet 
Farragut, eager to get at the stronghold of the foe in Vicksburg, determined 
to make the attempt. The mortar-vessels were stationed below to drive the 
enemy from his guns with well-directed bombs ; while the fleet, led by 
the stanch old " Hartford," should make a bold dash up the river. 

Night fell upon the scene ; and the ships weighed anchor, and started 
upon their perilous voyage. To the side of each man-of-war was bound a 
gunboat to tow the great vessel out of danger in case of disaster. Silently 
the long siring of vessels swept upward towards the batteries ; but, as the 
"Hartford" came into range, the watchful Confederates gave the alarm, 
and the nearest battery at once opened fire. Then from Porter's mortar- 
schooners far down the river came an answering roar ; and, as ship after 
ship came up into range, she opened with shot and shell upon the works. 
On the dark river-banks great alarm fires were kindled, lighting up the 
water with a lurid glare, and making the ships clearly visible to the Confed- 
erate gunners. But soon the smoke of battle settled down over all ; and 
• gunners, whether on shore or on the ships, fired at random. The " Hart- 
ford " led the way, and picked out the course ; and the other vessels followed 
carefully in her wake. In the mizzen-top of the flag-ship was stationed a 
cool old river pilot, who had guided many a huge river steamer, freighted 
with precious lives, through the mazy channels of the Mississippi. There, 



BLUK-JACKKTS OF '6i. 247 

high above the battle-smoke, heedless of the grape-shot and bits of flying 
shell whistling around him, he stood at his post, calmly giving his orders 
through a speaking-tube that led to the wheel-room. Now and then the 
admiral on the deck below would call uj), asking about the pilot's safetv, and 
was always answered with a cheery hail. ]?ut though the " Hartford " 
went by the batteries, heedless of the storm and lead poured upon her, she 
found herself alone, when, after firing a last gun, she swept into the clear 
air and tranquil water out of range of the enemy's guns. She waited some 
time for tlie other ships to come up, while all on board watched eagerh', 
save those who lay moaning on the surgeon's tables in the cockpit below. 
The night wore on, and all on board were consumed with an.xiety for the 
fate of the vessels that had dropped behind. The lookout in the tops 
reported that he could see far down the river a bright red light that could 
only be caused by a burning vessel. It proved to be the steamer " Missis- 
sippi," that had grounded under the guns of the batteries, and had been fired 
and abandoned by her crew. But of this the admiral knew nothing ; and 
when, after an hour or two, he heard the dull, heavy boom of an explosion, 
he went sadly to his cabin, fearing that the lives of many valiant sailors had 
been sacrificed. There was no way to communicate with the fleet below, 
and it was not untd days afterward that the admiral learned how his fleet 
had been beaten back by the heavy guns of the Confederates and the swift 
current of the river. The "Richmond" grounded at a point within easy 
range of the batteries, and her crew fought desperately while shell after 
shell went crashing through her hull. They saw the other vessels of the 
fleet go drifting by helpless m the mighty current of the river, but they 
faltered not in their brave defence until they saw their ship a wreck and in 
flames. Then leaving their dead comrades with the " Richmond " for a 
funeral pyre, they escaped to the shore, and threaded their way through 
miles of morasses and dense thickets until they came to the mortar-boats, 
where they found refuge and rest. And so that first attack on Port Hudson 
ended with Farragut above the batteries, and his ships below. It had only 
served to prove, that, safe in their heavy earthworks, the Confederates could 
defy any attack by ships alone. This fact was clear to the Union authori- 



?48 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



ties, and they began massing troops about tlie hostile works. Two months 
later, Porter's mortar-boats, the frigates and gunboats, and the batteries and 
muskets of an immense body of troops, opened on the works. While the 
heavy fire was being kept up, the Union armies were closing in, digging 
trenches, and surrounding the Confederates on all sides. The firing came 
to be short-range worlc and very deadly. " To show you what cool and 
desperate fighting it was," says a Confederate, " I had at least twenty-five 
shots at Federals not two hundred feet away. In one instance I fired upon 
a lieutenant who was urging on his men. I wounded him in his left aim. 
He fired at me with his revolver, and sent a bullet through my cap. Ne.xt 
time I hit him in the hip, and he fell ; but, while I was reloading, he raised 
himself up, and shot the man next to me through the head. The ofificer 
was so close to me that I could tell the color of his eyes, and detect a small 
scar on his face." 

This sort of work continued for weeks, with occasional charges by the 
Federals. Farragut's fleet kept up its bombardment, but did little damage. 
One of the Confederate soldiers said, some time after the war, "One can 
get used to almost any thing. After the first two or three days, we took 
the bombardment as part of the regular routine. Pieces of shell were 
continually flying about, and it was the regular thing for a bomb to drop 
down among us at intervals. I have seen them come down within fifty 
feet of a sentinel, and throw up a wagon load of dirt, without his even turn- 
ing his head. We had but few men hurt by the artillery-fire. I do not 
believe we averaged one man hit for every thousand pounds of metal 
thrown. I remember that one day I counted thirteen shells and bombs 
hurled at the spot where I was ]iosted before we had a man hurt, and he 
was only slightly wounded." Naturally, such work as this could not drive 
the Confederates from their trenches ; and the fleet soon concluded to leave 
the army to capture Port Hudson, while the ships steamed on up the river 
toward \"icksburg. The army kept up the siege for weeks, until the Con- 
federates, hearing of the fall of Vicksburg, surrendered. 

While the Union fleet was thus fighting its way up to Vicksburg, the 
Confederates were working away at a great ram that they were building 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 249 

in a secluded spot far u[i the YazDo River. Work on the ram was being 
[)iished with the greatest energy ; and the Union saih)rs, in their ships on 
the Mississippi, listened daily to the stories of escaping negroes, and won- 
dered when the big ship would come down and give them a tussle. The 
crew of the ram were no less impatient for the fray ; for they were tired 
of being hidden away up a little river, plagued by mosquitoes and gnats. 
The dark shatles of the heavy forests were seldom brightened by a ray of 
sun. The stream was full of alligators, that lay lazily on the banks all 
day, and bellowed dismally all night. The chirp of a bird was rarely 
heard. In its place were the discordant screams of cranes, or hisses of the 
moccasons or cotton-mouths. When at last the carpenters' clatter had 
ceased, and the ram, ready for action, lay in the little river, the crew were 
mustered on the deck, and told that the new boat had been built to clear 
the Union vessels from the Mississippi, and that purpose should be carried 
out. No white flag was to flutter from that flag-staff; and she should sink 
with all her crew before she would surrender. Any sailor who feared to 
enter upon such a service might leave the ship at once. No one left ; and 
the "Arkansas" started down the river to look for an enemy. She was not 
long in finding one. At the mouth of the Yazoo floated three Union gun- 
boats, — the " Carondelet," the "Tyler," and the "Queen of the West." 
As the ram came down into sight, her men heard the roll of the drums on 
the decks of the hostile vessels. The gunboats quickly opened fire, which 
was as promptly returned by the "Arkansas;" and, as she came swittly 
rushing down the stream, the three vessels fled before her. The men on 
the ram were all new recruits, and made awkward work of the firing; but 
as she came to close quarters she sent her shells crashing into the Union 
ships, while the shot she received in return rattled harmlessly off her 
steel-mailed sides. The " Carondelet " was the first vessel to come to grief. 
She had hardly fired four shots when a heavy solid shot crashed through 
her side, and rattled against the most delicate part of the engine. She 
was helpless at once ; and hardly had this damage been reported when a 
second shot came with a burst into an open port, killed five men, and broke 
its way out the other side. In ten minutes her decks were slippery with 



2^0 



BLUE-JACKETS OK '6i. 



Ijlood, and thick strewn with wounded and dead men. The current of the 
river drifted lier upon a sandbar; and she lay there helplessly, now and 
again answering the galling fire of her foe. with a feeble shot. Pouring in 
a last broadside, the "Arkansas" steamed past her, and, disregarding the 
other two vessels, headed for Vicksburg, where she knew her aid was 
sorely needed. 

The news of her coming preceded her ; and, when she came within sight 




THE "ARK.VNSAS" L'.NDER FIKE. 



of the steeples of the city, at least ten thousand people were watching her 
progress, and wondering whether she could pass by the Federal batteries and 
through the P'ederal fleet. The Federal fleet was all ready for her, and pre- 
I'ared such a gantlet for the "Arkansas "as had never been run by any 
vessel. As she came within range, every Union gun that couki be brought 
to bear opened ; and shot and shell rained from shore-batteries and marine 
guns upon the tough hide of the ram. As she sped by the vessels, they gave 
her their broadsides, and the effect was tremendous. As the huge iron balls 



1!LUK-J-^L'1<-1*"I"S OF '6i. 



struck the sliiii, she keeled far over; and to her crew inside, it seemed as 
though she was being lifted bodily out of the water. Not a shot broke 
through the armor ; but the terrible concussions knocked men down, ami 
made blood come pouring from their nostrils. For new men, her crew fought 
well and bra\-ely ; though two fell flat on their faces, afraid to lift their heads, 
lest they be taken off by a shell. 

When it was seen that the " Arkansas " was likely to pass through the 
lines unscathed, the Federals tried to blockade her way ; but she deviated 
not an inch from her path. The vessel that stood before her had to move 
aside, or take the chances of a blow from her terrible iron beak. She came 
straight to the centre of the fleet before opening fire ; and when her port- 
holes were opened, and the big guns peered out, they found plenty of tar- 
gets. Her first volley knocked a gunboat to pieces ; and in another minute 
she had crashed into the side of a Union ram, sending that unlucky craft 
ashore for repairs. But the storm of solid shot was too much for her; and 
she was forced to seek shelter under the bluffs, where the heavy guns of the 
Confederate shore-batteries compelled the Union ships to keep a respectful 
distance. Here she lay for several weeks, beating off every assauh'^f the 
Federals, and making a valuable addition to the defences of the city. But, 
in an evil hour, the Confederate authorities decided to send her down the 
river to recapture I?aton Rouge. When her journey was but half completed, 
she was pounced upon by several United States vessels, with the " Fssex " 
in the lead. Her engines breaking down, she drifted upon a sand-bank ; and 
the attacking ships pounded her at their leisure, until, with the fire bursting 
from her port-holes, she was abandoned by her crew, and blazed away until 
her career was ended by the explosion of her magazine. She had given the 
Federal fleet some hard tussles, but beyond that had done nothing of 
the work the Confederates so fondly hoped of her. 

While the flotilla of gunboats, led by the "Essex," were planning for the 
destruction of the "Arkansas," a small naval expedition, consisting of three 
gunboats, was threading its way u[.) the narrow channel of the White Rixer 
in search of some Confederate batteries said to be on the banks. Within 
twelve hours from the start, the sailors learned from a ragged negro, whom 



'■5^ BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



they captured on tlie shore, that the Confederates had powerful batteries 
only five miles farther up, and that the river channel was obstructed by 
sunken vessels. Anchor was cast for the night ; and in the morning the 
troops accompanying the expedition were landed, and plunged into the forest 
with the iilan of taking the fort by a rush from tiie rear. The gunboats 
began a slow advance up tlie ri\'er, throwing shells into the woods ahead of 
them. The blue-jackets kept carefully under cover ; for, though they could 
see no foe, yet the constant singing of rifle-bullets about the ships proved 
that somewhere in those bushes were concealed sharp-shooters whose pow- 
der was good and whose aim was true. The "Mound City" was leading 
the gunboats, and had advanced within si.\ hundred yards of the enemy's 
guns, when a single shot, fired from a masked battery high up the bluffs, 
rang out sharply amid the rattle of small-arms. It was the first cannon-shot 
fired by the Confederates in that engagement, and it was probably the most 
horribly deadly shot fired in the war. It entered the port-casemate forward, 
killed three men standing at the gun, and plunged into the boiler. In an 
instant the scalding steam came hissing out, filling the ship from stem to 
stern, and horribly scalding every one upon the gun-deck. The deck 
was covered with writhing forms, and screams of agony rang out above 
the harsh noise of the escaping steam and the roar of battle outside. 
Many were blown overboard ; more crawled out of the port-holes, and 
dropped into the river to escape the scalding steam, and struggling in 
the water were killed by rifle-balls or the fragments of the shells that 
were bursting all around. The helpless gunboat turned round and round 
in the stream, and drifted away, carrying a crew of dead and dying 
men. So great was the horror of the scene, that one of the officers, 
himself unhurt, who saw his comrades thus tortured all about him, went 
insane. 

While this scene was going on before the fort, the Union troops had 
come up behind it, and with a cheer rushed over the breastworks, and drove 
the garrison to surrender. The Confederate banner fell from the staff, 
and the stars and stripes went up in its place. But how great was the 
price tliat the Federals had to pay for that victory ! That night, with 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



-:)o 



muffled tirunis, and arms reversed, the l)lue-jackets carried to the grave 
fifty-nine of their comrades, who twelve hours before were active men. 
With three volleys of musketry the simple rites over the sailors' graves 
were ended ; and those who were left alive, only said with a sigh, "It is the 
fortune of war." 



*^. 




-»-«» 




CHAPTER XV. 



t1N TO VICKSBURG.— BOMBARDMENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STRONGHOLD. 

CRUISE IN THE FORESTS. 



- PORTER'S 




HILE the smaller gunboats were thus making clashes into the 
enemy's coiuitry, destroying batteries and unfinished war-vessels, 
and burning salt-works, the heavier vessels of the fleet were 
being massed about Vicksburg, and were preparing to aid the 
armv in reducing that citv to subjection. We need not describe the way 
in which Gen. Grant had been rushing his troops toward that point, how 
for weeks his engineers had been planning trenches and approaches to the 
Confederate works, until toward the middle part of June, 1863, the people 
in that city found themselves hemmed in by a huge girdle of trenches, 
batteries, and military camps. Gen. Pemberton, with his army of Confeder- 
ate soldiers, had been forced backward from point after point, until at last 
he found himself in \'icksburg, with the jirospect of a long siege before 
him, and no way to get past the inexorable lines of blue that surrounded 
him. It is true that he had a wonderfully strong position, and many were 
the tongues that said Vicksburg could never be taken. But though 
stronger than Sebastopol, stronger than the Rock of Gibraltar, Vicksburg 
was destined to fall before that mighty army that encircled it, and w^as 
slowly starving the city into subjection. 
=54 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 255 



Bui the Union soldiers, looking from their camps toward the Confederate 
citadel, saw that they had before them some severe work before that flag- 
that flaunted over the city should be replaced by the stars and stripes. 
The city stands on a towering bluff high abo\-e the eastern bank of the 
Mississippi River. On that frowning height the busy hands of Peni- 
berton's soldiers had reared mighty batteries, that commamled the Missis- 
sipjii for mijes up and down stream. To think of carrying the works by 
assault, was madness. Sherman jiad tried, and was beaten back with 
terrible loss. Then Grant, with nearly twenty thousand men, and with the 
co-operation of the river-flotilla, came upon the stage, and determined to 
take the city though it kept him at bay for months. 

All imaginable jilans were tried to get the army below the citv ; for 
Grant's command had come down from Cairo, and were at the northern 
and most impregnable side of the enemy's works. As at Island No. 10, 
a sharp bend in the river made a long peninsula right under the Con- 
tederates' guns. Grant, remembering the plan adopted before, set to work 
to cut a canal through the ])eninsula, so that the gunboats and transports 
might get below the forts. Tweh'c hundred negroes worked with a will 
upon this ditch for weeks. Then came a terrible rain-storm : the swollen, 
muddy torrent of the river broke in upon the unfinished canal, ami that 
work was wasted. Then a new plan was suggesteil, this time by Com- 
modore David Porter, who all through the war showed the greatest delight 
in taking his big gunboats into ditches where nothing larger than a frog or 
musk-rat could hope to navigate, and then bringing them out again safe 
after all. 

The country back of \'icksburg was fairly honeycombed with shallow- 
lakes, creeks, and those sluggish black streams called in the South bayous. 
Porter had been looking over this aqueous territory for some time, and had 
sent one of his lieutenants off in a steam-launch to see what could be done 
in that network of ditches. When the explorer returned, he brought cheer- 
ing news. He was confident that, with tugs and gangs of a.xemen clearing 
the way, the gunboats could be taken up the Yazoo River, then into a 
wide bayou, and finally through a maze of small water-ways, until they 



256 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



should reach the Mississippi again below the Vicksburg batteries. Then 
the transports could follow, the troops could march down the other side 
of the river, be met by the transports, ferried across, and take Vicksburg 
on the flank. It was a beautiful plan ; and Porter went to Grant with it, 
full of enthusiasm. 

Gen. Grant considered the matter for some time, but finally gave his 
consent, and detailed a number of blue-coated soldiers to aid Porter's blue- 
jackets in the work. They first cut the levees, and let the mighty tide 
of the Mississippi sweep in, filling the bayous to the brim, and flooding all 
the country round about. Then the gunboats plunged in, and were borne 
along on the rushing tide until they brought up, all standing, against the 
trunks of trees, or had their smoke-stacks caught by overhanging branches. 

Then came the tug of war ; and the a.xemen were called to the front, 
and set to work. They chopped their way along for some distance ; the 
rapid current from the river banging the vessels against the trees and 
stumps, until all the standing rigging and light cabins were swept away. 
After a good deal of work they saw before them a broad river, wide enough 
for two vessels to steam abreast. Soon they drifted out into it, and the 
commanding officer sang out cheerily, "On to Vicksburg, boys, and no 
more trees to saw." And so they steamed on, thinking how neatly they 
should take the "gray-coats" in the rear, when suddenly a bend in the 
river showed them, just ahead, a fort in the middle of the river, with 
the channel blocked on either side. That was a surprise. The works were 
new, and the water was still muddy about the sunken steamers. Clearly 
the wily Pemberton had heard of this inland naval expedition, and was 
determined to check it effectually. 

The gunboats backed water, and crowded in confused groups. The 
gunners in the fort took hurried aim, and pulled the lanyards of their 
cannon, forgetting tliat those pieces were not loaded. It was hard to tell 
which party was the more excited at the unexpected meeting. This gave 
the blue-jackets a chance to collect their thoughts, and in a minute or two the 
gunboats opened fire ; but they were soon convinced that the fort was 
too much for them, and they turned and crawled back through the woods 



BLUK-JACKi:rS OF '6 1. 



- .1 / 



to tlic fleet above \'icksburi;-. Pemberton scored otic point lor successful 
strateyv. 

But, even while this expedition was working its way back to the station 
of the vessels on the Mississippi, Porter was starting another through a 
second chain of water-courses that he had discovered. This time he was 
so sure of getting into the rear of Vicksburg, that he took four of his big 
iron-clads, and two light mortar-boats built especially for work in the woods, 
(icn. Sherman, with a strong army-force, marched overland, keeping up with 
the gunboats. Admiral Porter, in his Memoirs, gives a graphic picture of 
this expedition. " This was one of the most remarkable military and naval 
expeditions e\er sent out in any country, and will be so ranked by those 
who read of it in future times. 

" Here was a dense forest, deeply inundated, so that large steamers could 
ply about among the trees with perfect iminuiity. They were as much at 
home there as the wild denizens of the forest would be in dry times. 

"The animals of all kinds had taken to the trees as the only ark of safety. 
Coons, rats, mice, and wildcats were in the branches ; and, if they were not 
a happy family, it was because, when they lay down together, the 'smaller 
animals reposed within the larger ones. 

" It was a curious sight to see a line of iron-clads and mortar-boats, tugs 
and transports, pushing their way through the long wide lane in the woods 
without touching on either side ; though sometimes a rude ti-ee would throw 
its arms around the smoke-stack of the tin-clad ' Forest Rose ' or the 
transport 'Molly Miller,' antl knock their bonnets sideways. 

" It looked as though the world had suddenly got topsy-turvy, or that 
there was a great cami)-meeting in the woods on board iron-clads and 
transports. 

"We ran on in line of battle eight or ten miles through the open way 
in the trees, carrying fifteen feet of water in the lead-line. Let the nautical 
reader imagine an old quartermaster in the chains of an iron-clad, steaming 
througli the woods, and singing out, ' Quarter less three ! ' Truth is 
stranger than fiction. 

"At last we came to a jjoint where the forest was close, and composed 



ISLUK-IACKKTS (JF '6i. 



of very lai-ge trees, — old monarchs of the woods, which had spread their 
arms for centuries over those silent solitudes ; Titans, like those in the old 
fables, that dominate over all around them. 

"In the distance, between the trees, would spring into sight gray, sunless 
glens, in which the dim, soft ripple of day seemed to glimmer for a second, 
so fancifully, indeed, that it required but a slight stretch of imagination to 
see the wood-nymphs disporting in their baths. 

"The sun seldom reached these woody glades ; and, if it did, it was but 
to linger for a moment and disappear, like the bright star of eve, behind a 
silver cloud. 

"It all looked like some infinite world in which we were adrift, where the 
sky, soft and serene (which we had been accustomed to see), had been furled 
in anticipation of a squall. 

"Every turn of the wheels sent an echo through the woods that would 
frighten the birds of prey from their perches, whence they were looking 
down upon the waste of waters, wondering (no doubt) what it all might 
mean, and whom these mighty buzzards, skimming over the waters, and 
carrying every thing before them, could possibly be. 

" Our line of battle was broken on approaching the large trees ; then we 
had to go more cautiously. What, thought I, if the trees should become 
so dense that we could not pass between them ; what would we do then .' 
I solved the difficulty at once. ' Ram that large tree there,' I said to the 
captain of the 'Cincinnati :' 'let us see what effect the old turtle will have 
on it.' It was an unnecessary act of vandalism to injure the old Titan ; but 
it would shorten our road, and we would not be obliged to go meandering 
about to find a channel. We struck the tree while going at the rate of 
three knots an hour, and bounded off, but started it about twenty degrees 
from the perpendicular. The light soil about its roots had become softened 
by the water, and the tree had not much staying power. I backed again, 
and gave it another ram ; and the weight of eight hundred tons, with a 
three-knot velocity, sent it out of all propriety. I hailed the iron-clad astern 
of me, and ordered her to bend a heavy chain to it, and pull it down, which 
was accomi^lishcd in half an hour. 



BLUP:-JACKE'1S of '6i. 259 



"I wanted to see what we could do at rammiiiy' and pulling at big trees, 
and our experience so gainetl came into ]ila\- before we got through the 
expedition. 

" It was all \-ery pleasant at first, skimming along over summer seas, 
under the shade of stalwart oaks ; but we had no conception of wdiat we 
liad before us. 

" \\"e had to knock down six or eight of these large trees before we 
could reach the point where Sherman was disembarking part of his troops. 
When I came up, he was on a piece of high ground, on an old white horse 
some of his 'boys' had captured. 

"'Halloo, old fellow!' he sang out, 'what do you call this.' This 
must be traverse sailing. You think it's all very fine just now, don't you ; 
but, before you fellows get through, you won't have a smoke-stack or a boat 
among vou.' 

" ' So much the better,' I said. ' It will look like business, and we will 
get new ones. All I want is an engine, guns, and a hull to float them. As 
to boats, they are very much in the way.' 

"At this point we ran up alongside higher land, which looked like a 
levee. 

"'Is this the last of it.'' I asked Sherman. 

" ' No,' he said. ' Steam on about twenty yards to the west ; and you 
will find a hole through a kind of a levee, wide enough, I think, for your 
widest vessel. That is Cypress Bayou : it leads into the Sunflower, about 
seventy-five miles distant ; and a devil of a time you'll have of it. Look 
out those fellows don't catch you. I'll be after you.' 

"I pushed on, my fleet following, and soon found myself inside the 
bayou. It was exactly forty-six feet wide. My vessel was forty-two feet 
wide, and that was the average width of the others. The place seemed to 
have been a bayou with high levees, reaching, indeed, abo\-e the vessel's 
guns. It had been made, I suppose, into a kind of canal. All on the left 
of the bayou was deep water in the woods. On the other side were corn- 
fields. This bayou had not been used for many years for purposes of 
navigation. It had almost closed up, and the middle of it was filled with 



26o BLUE-JACKEI'S OV '6i. 

little willows, which promised to be great impediments to us ; but, as 
there was nine feet of water in the ditch, I pushed on. 

" We supposed we were doing all this very secretly, and were going to 
surprise the natives. No doubt we did surprise those who dwelt on or 
along the Cypress Hayou ; but our movement was probably no surprise 
to the Confederates in V'icksburg. I am quite satisfied in my own mind, 
that while we were steaming along, and performing naval evolutions in the 
woods, the president of the Southern Confederacy was reading something 
like the following despatch to his cabinet : — 

"'Sherman and Porter pirouetting through the woods in steamers and 
iron-clads. Are keeping a lookout on them, Hope to bag them all before 
to-morrow.' 

"We had not entered the bayou more than half a mile before we saw 
the greatest excitement prevailing. Men on horseback were fiying in all 
directions. Cattle, instead of being driven in, were driven off to parts 
unknown. Pigs were driven by droves to the far woods ; and five hundred 
negroes were engaged in driving into the fields all the chickens, turkeys, 
ducks, and geese ; and what were a few moments before smiling barn-yards 
were now as bare of ]iouItrv as your hand. I had issued an order against 
capturing any thing on shore ; but the difficulty was to find out where the 
shore was, as apparently the Cypress Bayou ran right through the middle 
of a stable-yard. 

" I informed the sailors that loot naturally belonged to the army, but 
that prize in the shape of cotton marked ' C. S. A.' belonged to them. A 
mile from the entrance to the bayou there were two piles of cotton, contain- 
ing si.\ thousand bales, and placed opposite each other on the banks of the 
stream in which we were then just holding our way against its two-knot 
current. 

" Suddenly I saw two men rush u[) from each side of the bajou, and 
apply a lighted pine-knot to each pile. ' What fools these mortals be ! ' 
I said to an officer; 'but I suppose those men have a right to burn their 
own cotton' especially as we have no way of preventing them.' 

" ' I can send a howitzer-shell at them, sir,' he said, 'and drive them away.' 



BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. ' 26 1 

" ' No,' I rei^Iietl, ' that miu,ht kill them, ami \vc don't want to do that 
except in battle.' 

"So the two men went on with their work of destrnction. They 
applied the torches to e\'cry part of the two piles; and in twenty minutes 
there was a column of smoke ascendin<j; to the skies, and the passage 
between the piles became very much obscured. 

"•How long will it take that cotton to burn up.'' I incpiired of a darky 
who was asking permission to come on boartl. 

"'Two day, massa,' the negro answered ; 'sometime t'ree.' 

" Bv this time all the outside of the cotton was blazing. ' Ring the hell 
to go ahead fast,' I ordered, 'and tell those astern to follow after me.' I 
was on board the 'Cincinnati.' 'Go ahead fast the tug and mortar-hoat ; ' 
and away we all went, darting through between the burning bales. 

"All the ])orts were shut in, and the crews called to hre-quarters, 
standing ready with buckets to meet the enemy's Jin: It reminded me a 
little of the fire-raft at Fort Jackson, but we soon got used to it. 

"The fellows on the tug wet themselves and the boat all over very 
thoroughly, and as they darted through, being below the bank, tlid not 
suffer very much ; but the paint was blistered on the boat, and tlie fire 
scorched the men. 

"Myself, captain, antl wheelman were the only ones on deck when the 
'Cincinnati' passed through; but the heat was so intense that I had to 
iump inside a small house on deck, covered with iron, the captain following 
me. The helmsman covered himself up with an old flag that lay in the 
wheel-house. The hose wms iiointed up the hatch to the upper deck, and 
every thing drenched with water; but it did not render the lieat less intnler- 
able. The boats escaped with some blistering. The smoke was e\'en worse 
than the heat, and I have often since imagined how a brave fireman feels 
when he is looking through a burning house in search of helpless peoiile. 

"Just after we passed through the fire, there was a dreadful crash 
which some thought was an earthciuake. We hail rim into, and quite 
through a span of bridge about fifty feet long, and demolished the whole 
fabric, having failed to sec it in the smoke. 



262 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



"There was a yell from the negroes on the bank, who looked on with 
amazement at the doings of 'Mass Linkum's gunboats.' 

" ' What dey gvvine tcr do next ? ' asked an old patriarch. 

"We came to one more bridge: down it went like nine-pins; and we 
steamed slowly on, forcing our way through small, lithe willows that 
seemed to hold us in a grip of iron. This lasted for an hour, during which 
we made but half a mile. 

" But that was the last of the willows for a time. Had they continued, 
we would have been obliged to give it up. The small sprouts, no larger 
than my little finger, caught in the rough plates of the overhang, and held 
us as the threads of the Liliputians held Gulliver. 

" Now we came to extensive woods again on either side, the large trees 
towering in the air, while underneath they looked as if their lower branches 
had been trimmed to give them a uniform appearance ; but they had only 
been trimmed by the hand of Nature, whose fair impression fell on all 
about us. Man only marred the prospect there. . . . 

"The batiks of the bayou were high, with large, overhanging trees upon 
them ; and the long branches of the latter stretched out into the stream, 
endangering our pipes and boats. The channel was here exactly the width 
of the iron-clads, — forty-two feet, — and we had to cut our way, with the 
overhang, through the soft soil and the twining roots. It was hard and slow 
work. The captured overseer felt quite sure that we would be bagged 
before night. He didn't know that Sherman was right behind us with an 
army, and an army, too, that was no respecter of ducks, chickens, pigs, or 
turkeys ; for they used to say of one particular regiment in Sherman's corps, 
that it could catch, scrape, and skin a hog without a soldier leaving the 
ranks. I was in hopes they would pay the apostate Yankee a visit, if only 
to teach him good manners. 

" The gunboats, at this stage of the cruise, were following each other 
about a quarter of a mile apart. The only idea I can give of Cypress 
Bayou is io fake a string up and down a paper two hundred or more times. 
We did nothing but turn upon our course about every twenty minutes. At 
one time the vessels would all be steaming on different courses. One 




I'DRTF.K'S lI.ollI.l.A (l\ TllK RKI) RIVKR. 



BLUE-JACKI-;r.S OF '6 1. 265 

would be standing north, another south, another east, and yet another west 
through the woods. One minute an iron-clad would apparently be leading 
ahead, and the next minute would as apparently be steering the other way. 
The tugs and mortar-boats seemed to be mixed up in the most mar\'elU)US 
manner. 

"There was a fair road on the right of the bayou, along which Sher- 
man's troops would have to march ; and all that was required to make the 
situation look confusing and confounding was to have the. soldiers marching 
beside the gunboats. 

"I was in the leading vessel, and necessarily had to clear the way for 
the others. The bayou was full of logs that had been there for x'cars. 
They had grown soggy and heavy ; and sometimes one end, being heavier 
than the other, would sink to the bottom, while the other end would remain 
pointing upward, presenting the appearance of clicvaux-ih-frisc, over which 
we could no more pass than we could fly. We had to ha\'e working-parties 
in the road, with tackles and hook-ropes, to haul these logs out on the banks 
before we could pass on. 

"Again, we would come to a "Red-river raft" that had been imbedded 
in the mud for ages. All these had to be torn asunder and hauled out, with 
a labor that no one who had not tried it could conceive of. 

"Then, again, we would get jammed between two large, overhanging 
trees. We could not ram them down as we did in the woods, with plenty 
of ' sea-room ' around us. We had to chop away the sides of the trees 
with axes. 

" A great many of these large trees had deca\'ed branches ; and, when 
the heavy iron-clad would touch the trunk of one (though going only at the 
rate of half a mile an hour, which was the most we could make at any time 
in the ditch), the shock would be so great, and the resultant vibration of 
the tree so violent, that the branches would come crashing on deck, smash- 
ing the boats and skylights and all the framework that they reached. 

" An hour after entering the very narrow part of the ditch, where we 
really had not a foot to spare, we had parted with every tiling like a boat, 
and cut them away as useless appendages. Indeed, they were ^ no 



266 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 

use to us, and only in the way. When we got rid of them, we got along 
better. 

" We stopped that evening about seven o'clock, and about an hour later 
we heard the chopping of wood in the forest. We had seen ni) one along 
the stream. The truthful and intelligent contrabands, in whom I was wont 
to repose confidence, were nowhere to be seen ; whereat I marvelled much, 
knowing their sociable disposition, and the lofty aspirations they felt with 
regaril to the liberty of their race. They were so faithful in adherence to 
their protectors, that they would come in in crowds, with wild inventions of 
moves on the part of the enemy, if they could find nothing real to tell. 

" I missed these ingenious creatures, and wondered what had become of 
them. I was always of an inquiring mind, and determined to find out what the 
woi)d-chopping" meant. It seemed to me that there were a dozen axes at work. 

" I put a twelve-pound howitzer on the tug, and sent her ahead to see 
what was going on. In twenty minutes I heard the report of the howitzer, 
and then another and another. Then a steam whistle w-as blown from the 
tug, and all was silent. No more axes heard cutting wood. 

" In a very short time tlie tug returned, snorting as if carrying a \'ery 
hea\'y pressure of steam, and every now and then giving some playful 
screams with the whistle. The forest fairly reverberated with the sound. 

"The officer in charge reported that he had suddenly come upon a large 
party of negroes, under the charge of some white men carrying lanterns, 
cutting trees on the banks of the stream we were in ; that they had felled a 
tree three feet in diameter, and this had fallen right across the bayou, 
closing the stream against our advance. There was the secret of our not 
meeting the truthful contraband. He was engaged in hemming us in. 

"There was but one thing to do, — move ahead, and clear the channel. 
It was not a matter of great labor. Two large snatch-blocks were strapped 
to standing trees as leaders. The largest hawser was passed through the 
snatch-blocks, one end made fast to the fallen tree, and the other end taken 
to a steamer. 'Back the iron-clad hard,' and the obstruction began to move 
slowly over the water. In less than ten minutes it was landed clear across 
the road, so that Sherman's soldiers wouldn't have to march around it. 



BLUE-JACKETS OE '6i. 267 

" A second application of this improvised ' power gear,' and the route was 
again free. 

" The Confederates didn't think of all that when they tried to bag us in 
that way. They forgot the ingenuity of American seamen. 

" ' Now,' I said to the officer in charge of the tug, 'go ahead with all the 
speed you have, and see that no more trees are cut down to-night ; and, 
though I shall be sorry to harm that faithful friend and brother the contra- 
band, if he continues to chop at any one's dictation }(>u must give him 
shrapnel ;' and off the tug started. 

'• We could already hear the faint strokes of the axes in advance of us ; 
and no doubt the managers, having cut one tree down, and supposing that 
they had blocked the game on us for the night, and not knowing our facilities 
for removing trees, had, as soon as they imagined themselves out of reach of 
the howitzer, set to work cutting other trees, with the intention that we 
should never see the Sunflower, nor get in the rear of Vicksburg. The 
Confederates were energetic ; and it was wonderful how soon they got 
their machinery to work. 

"Some twenty minutes after the tug left us, we heard the howitzer firing 
rapidl}' ; and then all was quiet, excepting three steam-whistles, which meant 
all well. 

" At one o'clock tliat night the tug's small boat returned to us, with the 
report that the choppers had commenced cutting about twenty of the largest 
trees, but that none had been completely felled ; that they had captured 
two truthful contrabands, who informed them that the parties directing the 
cutting of trees were officers from \'icksburg ; that they had pressed three 
hundred negroes into the work, and made them use their a.xes, with pistols 
to their heads, and gave them plenty of whiskey. 

"'The officers are from Vicksburg ! ' I said ; 'and we thought ourselves 
so smart. No doubt they started before we did, and got their instructions 
from Richmond. What next .' ' 

" 'The officer [Lieut. Murphy] says, sir, he will continue on all night, 
and thinks no more trees will be cut down at present.' 

"I didn't care about the trees. I was just then thinking how I would 



268 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



feel if they should block up the head of the pass with cotton-bales, and leave 
me aud mine sticking in the mud at the bottom ot the bayou. 

" It were vain to tell all the hardships of the third day. The plot seemed 
to thicken as we advanced ; and old logs, small Red-river rafts, and rotten 
trees overhanging the banks, seemed to accumulate. 

" The dead trees were full of vermin of all sorts. Insects of ever\- kind 
and shape, such as are seen only in Southern climes, infested these trees. 
Rats and mice, tlriven from the fields by the high water, hail taken up their 
abode in the holk)w trunks and rotten branches. Snakes of every kind and 
description had followed the rats and mice to these old arks of safety. These 
innocent creatures knew nothing of the insecurity of their adopted homes 
in presence of the butting iron-clads. Small wonder. Who would have 
dreamed of such things in these regions .' 

"A canoe might have been seen, perhaps, of late years, winding its way 
ilown these tortuous channels, of a moonlight night, manned by a couple of 
dissipated darkies out on a coon-hunt ; but navigation by any thing larger 
in these waters was unknown. 

" Sometimes, when wc would strike against one of these trees, a multi- 
tuile of vermin would be shaken out on the deck, — among them rats, mice, 
cockroaches, snakes, and lizards, which would be swept overboard by the 
sailors standing ready with their brooms. Once an old coon landed on deck, 
with the life half knocked out of him ; but he came to in a short time, and 
fought his way on shore. Even the coons were prejudiced against us, and 
refused to be comforted on board ; though, I am sorry to say, w-e found more 
Union feeling among the bugs of all kinds, which took kindly to the iron- 
clads, and w'ould have remained w^ith us indefinitely had they been permitted 
to do so." 

But we cannot follow the gallant commodore and his amphibious gun- 
boats throughout their cruise through the woods. Let us pass over his 
struggles with the closely netted foliage, and the numerous snakes and 
insects, and take up his story again at the point where he finds himself in 
the heart of the enemy's country, with hostile soldiers all about him. His 
ships were held fast by a growth of willows in the stream, and the river was 



BLUK-JACKEIS OF 'Oi. 269 



falling fast. The Confederates were swarniiny in the woods, waiting for a 
favorable opportunit}- to rush uiion the intruders and capture them. Then 
Porter thought of Sherman's army, and wished he had not left it so far in 
the rear. He determined to send for aid at once ; and his wish, expressed 
aloud, for a telegraph-line met with a queer response. 

" ' Tm a telegram-wire, massa,' said a stubby-looking negro, coming up 
to me. ' I'll take him for half a dollar, sah. I'm 'de county telegraph, sah. 
I does all dat bizness.' 

" ' Where's vour office. Sambo .'' ' I inquired. 

" • .My name ain't Sambo, sah. ]\Iy name's Tub, an' I run yer line fer 
yer fer half a dollar.' 

'•'Do you know where to find Gen. Sherman .'' I said. 

" ' Xo, sah, I don' know him. Ef he's in \'icksburg, I kin find him.' 

" ' Can you carry a note for nie without betraying it to the Confed- 
erates ? ' 

"'I don't understan' one of dem words, sah; but I'll take a note to 
Kingdom Kum if ver pay me half a dollar.' 

"Then I told him who Gen. Sherman was, and where to tind him. 
•Go along the road,' I said, "and you can't miss him.' 

" ' I know nuff better 'an dat manner when I carr\- telegraph, sah. 1 
don't go de road : I takes de ditches. It's nuff shorter, an" mo' safer. On 
de lef ' ban' comin' up, dars all marsh an' wata, an' a keiioe kin allers git 'long 
dar. I'll go de way we nigs takes when we go chicken-huntin'.' 

" ' Where will you carry the despatch .' ' I inquired. 

'"In my calabash-kiver, massa,' he answered, pointing to his thick, 
woolly head. 

" I wrote the despatch and handed it to him. He stowed it away in a 
pocket in his hair, where it was as safe as a telegram travelling on a wire. 
I wrote : — 

"'De.^r Sherm.ax, — Hurry up, for Heaven's sake. I never knew how 
helpless an iron-clad could be steaming around through the woods, without 
an army to back her.' " 

This telegram fairly off. Porter proceeded to make the best of the situa- 



270 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 

tion. His vessels were iron-clad, and the light artillery that the Confederates 
had mounted on a commanding hill had no effect.. A careful lookout was 
kept for any attack, and the men were always prepared to repel boarders. 
The Confederate sliarp-shooters kept up a running fire, and the bullets 
went pat, pat, against the'iron sides of the gunboats from morning to night ; 
but only a few men -were lost. Towards afternoon of the day after 'the 
de])arture of the "telegram "asking for aid, the men on the gunboats could 
hear the noise of a skirmish in the woods ; and they knew that Sherman 
had arrived. Sure enough, before long he rode out of the woods on his 
old gray horse, and shouted out, " Halloo, Porter, what did you get into 
such an ugly scrape for.' So much for you navy fellows getting out of 
vour element. Better send for the soldiers always. My boys will pull 
you through. Here's yOur' little nigger ; he came through all right, and I 
started at once." 

That night all Sherman's army camped along the road bordering the 
bayou ; and many were the jokes, and great the chaff, hurled at the sailors 
by their soldier deliverers. 

"'Halloo, Jack,:'')c>ne' fellow would sing out, ' how do you like playing 
mud-turtle .' Better; stick to the briny.' 

"Ancjthei" woild'^'say, 'You've been into dry -dock, ain't you, and left 
yoUr boats behind. ?•'.■•. ■ 

"'Don't go bushwhacking again, Jack,' said another, 'unless you have 
Sherman's boys Close aboard of you. You look as if your mothers didn't 
know you were out.' 

"'Wheffe's all -your sails and masts, Jack.'' said a tough-looking fellow, 
who was sailor all over, though he had a soldier's uniform bent. 

"'By the Widow Perkins!' cried another, 'if Johnny Reb hasn't taken 
their rudders away and sent them adrift.' 

"'Dry up,' sang out an old forecastleman, 'we wa'n't half as much used 
upas you Was ' at Chickasaw Bayou;' for which the old tar got three 
cheers." ■ : .• ' 

Sherman and Porter held a consultation that night, and concluded that 
it was useless to try to get around Vicksburg by hauling the gunboats 




iHMMv (;rM:,,\r passing forts „n ihk Mi.vsissii'n. 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



through the woods ; aiul the following morning the tlotilLi started haek 
to the Union headquarters on the Mississippi. 

Gen. Grant was beginning to get impatient. Weeks had passed away, 
and there were still no gimboats or transports below the Vicksburg batteries 
to aid him in carrying out his military plans. He held a long consultation 
with Porter, the outcome of which was that the admiral decided to run his 
gunboats and transports right through the fire of the Confederate guns. 

But, before sending a vessel through, Porter thought that he would test 
the accuracy of the Confederate gunners by giving them a dummy to fire 
at. He took a large flat boat, ami built it up with logs and lumber until it 
looked like a powerful ram. Two huge wheel-houses towered amidships, 
on each of which was painted, in great, staring letters, " Deluded Rebels, 
cave in." From the open ports, the muzzles of what apjK'ared to be heavy 
rifles protruded ; though the guns that seemed so formidable were really 
only logs of wood. Two high smoke-stacks, built of em|.)ty pork-barrels, 
rose from the centre of this strange craft ; and at the bottom of each stack 
was an iron pot, in which was a heap of tar and oakum that sent forth vol- 
umes of black smoke when lighted. One dark night the fires in this sham 
monster were lighted, and she was towed down to the Confederate batteries, 
and set drifting down the river. She was quickly discovered, and the bat 
teries on the bhii'fs opened on her with a roar. There was nothing abfiut the 
dummy to be hurt, howe\'er ; and it was impossible to smk her. So she 
sailed majestically through the plunging hail of solid shot, and past the 
terrible batteries that were thought to be a match for any thing afloat. 
The Confederates in the trenches looked at each other in astonishment and 
dismay. Word was sent to Gen. Pemberton that a powerful Yankee ii-on- 
clad had passed the batteries unhurt, and was speeding down the stream. 
The General's first thought was of a gunboat, the " Indianola," lately cap- 
tured from the Federals, and now being converted into an iron-clad ram. She 
must be saved from recapture, even if it shoultl be necessary to destroy her. 
Word was hurriedly scut down the river that a lormidable ram was bearing- 
down uiion the " Indianola; " and, if the latter \-essel was not in condition 
to do battle, she should be blown up. .\ccordingl)', while the dummy ram. 



274 BLUE-JACKKTS OF '6i. 

caught in an eddy of the river, was whirling helplessly around just below 
Vicksburg, the Confederates put the torch to their new war-vessel, and she 
was soon a heap of ashes. Porter's little joke was a good one for the United 
States. 

But all the time that the Union navy was making these futile attempts 
to get the better of the wily general who held the fort at Vicksburg, a 
constant bombardment of the city was kept up. From gunboats and land 
batteries, shells were hurled into the streets of the town, tearing down 
houses, killing men, women, and children, and dri\'ing the inhabitants to 
their cellars, or to deep caves dug in the hills. The fire from the Union 
gunboats was most destructive, for they could dro]) down to an advantageous 
point, shell the city until tired, then steam back into safety again. 

Cave-digging in the city became a regular business ; and caves brought 
from twenty to fifty dollars, according to their size. They generally con- 
sisted of two or three rooms, and people lived in them quite cheerfully 
during the time that the iron hail was falling in the city's streets. 

A Northern woman, who was pent up in Vicksburg during the siege, 
tells graphically the story of the bombardment : — 

" For many nights we have had but little sleep, because the Federal 
gunboats have been running past the batteries. The uproar when this is 
happening is phenomenal. The first night the thimdering artillery burst the 
bars of sleep, we thought it an attack by the river. To get into garments, 
and rush up-stairs, was the work of a moment. From the upper gallery we 
have a fine view of the river; and soon a red glare lit up the scene, and 
showed a small boat, towing two large barges, gliding by. The Confederates 
had set fire to a house near the bank. Another night, eight boats ran by, 
throwing a shower of shot ; and two burning houses made the river clear 
as day. One of the batteries has a remarkable gun they call ' whistling 
Dick,' because of the screeching, whistling sound it gives ; and certainly it 
does sound like a tortured thing. Added to all this is the indescribable 
Confederate yell, which is a soul-harrowing sound to hear. I have gained 
respect for the mechanism of the human ear, which stands it all without 
injury. The streets are seldom quiet at night : even the dragging about of 



BLUK-J.UKKTS OK '61. 275 



cannon makes a din in these echoing gnllies. The other night we were on 
the gallery till the last of the eight boats got by. Next day a friend said 

to H , ' It was a wonder you didn't have your heads taken off last night. 

I passeil, and saw them stretched over the gallery ; and grape-shot were 
whizzing up the street just on a level with )'ou.' The double roar of bat- 
teries and boats was so great, we never noticed the whizzing. Yesterday 
the ' Cincinnati * attempted to go by in daylight, but was disabled and sunk. 
It was a pitiful sight : we could not see the finale, though we saw her 
rendered helpless. 

" Since that day the regular siege has continued. We are utterly cut off 
from the world, surrounded by a circle of fire. Would it be wise, like the 
scorpion, to sting ourselves to death .' The fiery shower of shells goes on 

day and night. H 's occupation, of course, is gone, his ofifice closed. 

Every man has to carry a pass in his pocket. People do nothing but cat 
what they can get, sleep when they can, and dodge the shells. There are 
three intervals when the shelling stops, — either for the guns to cool, or for 
the gunners' meals, I suppose, — about eight in the morning, the same in 
the evening, and at noon. In that .time we have to both prepare and eat 
ours. Clothing cannot be washed, or any thing else done. On the 19th 
and 2jd, when the assaults were made on the lines, I watched the soldiers 
cooking on the green opposite. The half-spent balls, coming all the way 
from those lines, were flying so thick that they were obliged to dodge at 
every turn. At all the caves I could see from my high perch, people were 
sitting, eating their poor suppers at the ca\-e doors, ready to plunge in again. 
As the first shell again flew, they dived ; and not a human being was visible. 
The sharp crackle of the musketry-firing was a strong contrast to the 
scream of the bombs. I think all the dogs and cats must be killed or 
starved ; we don't see an)' more pitiful animals prowling around. . . . The 
cellar is so damp and musty, the bedding has to be carried out and laid in 
the sun every day, with the forecast that it may be demolished at any 
moment. The confinement is dreadful. To sit and listen as if waiting for 
death in a horrible manner, would dri\"e me insane. I don't know what 
others do, but we read when I am not scribbling in this. H borrowed 



76 BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



somewhere a lot of Diekens's novels, and we re-read them by the dim light 

in the cellar. When the shelling abates, H goes to walk about a little, 

or get the 'Daily Citizen,' which is still issuing a tiny sheet at twenty-five 
and fifty cents a copy. It is, of course, but a rehash of speculations which 
amuses a half-hour. To-day he heard, while out, that expert swimmers are 
crossing the Mississippi on logs at night, to bring and carry news to 
Johnston. I am so tired of corn-bread, which I never liked, that I eat it 
with tears in my eyes. We are lucky to get a quart of milk daily from a 
family near, who have a cow they hourly expect to be killed. I send five 
dolkrs to market each morning, and it buys a small piece of mule-meat. 
Rice and milk is my main food : I can't eat the mule-meat. We boil the 
rice, and eat it cold, with milk, for supper. Martha runs the gantlet to buy 
the meat and milk once a day in a perfect terror. The shells seem to have 
many different names. I hear the soldiers say, ' That's a mortar-shell. 
There goes a Parrott. That's a rifle-shell.' They are all equally terrible. 
A pair of chimney-swallows have built in the parlor chimney. The concus- 
sion of the house often sends down parts of their nest, which they patiently 
pick up and re -ascend with." 

Grant's impassable lines about the beleaguered city soon made starva- 
tion more to be feared than even the terrible shells from the cannon of 
the gunboats. Necessaries of all sorts became wofully scarce in Vicks- 
burg. Five dollars could purchase only a little bit of mule's flesh, hardly 
enough for a meal for two people. Flour was not to be had at any price. 
Bread was made of coarse corn-meal or grated peas. The ammunition of 
the soldiers in the trenches soon began to give out, and the utmost economy 
was exercised. Many of the soldiers were armed with muskets that 
required caps, and it was not many days before caps were at a great 
premium. They were generally smuggled into the city through the Union 
lines by fleet-footed carriers, who ran a long gantlet of Union pickets. 
Many were shot down in the attempt, but more succeeded. One man, 
who brought in si.xteen thousand caps, was nine days travelling thirteen 
miles, and was fired on more than twenty times. 

But, though Grant could have starved the city into subjection by simply 



2jS BLUE-JACKKIS OF '6i. 



sitting and waiting, he grew tired of this, and determined to force matters to 
an issue. The first thing to be done was to get the gunboats and trans- 
ports past tile batteries. The transports were put into shape to stand a 
cannonade by having their weaker parts covered with cotton-bales ; and on 
one daik night in June, the flotilla started down the river, with the iron- 
clad gunboats in advance. Admiral Porter led in the " IJenton." At 
eleven o'clock the fleet got under wa_\' ; and, as the " Benton " came abreast 
of the first batteries, the alarm was given in the Confederate camp, and a 
fierce cannonade began. Huge fires were lighted on the shores to light up 
the river, and make the gunboats visible to the Confederate cannoneers. 
The war-ships swung grandly around the bend, responding with rapid 
broadsides to the fire of the forts. All the vessels were hit once or 
oftener. The heavy smoke that accompanies such fierce cannonading hung 
over the river, cutting off all view of the surroundings from the sailors. 
The eddying currents of the river caught the steamers, swinging them now 
this way, now that, until the perplexed pilots knew not which way their 
vessels were headed. The blue-jackets at the guns worked away cheerily, 
knowing that enemies were on every side of them, and that, no matter 
which way their missiles sped, an enemy was to be found. More than one 
vessel turned completely around ; and once, when the rising breeze cleared 
away the smoke, the pilot of the " Iknton " found that he was taking his 
ship up-stream again, and was in inmiinent danger of running down a 
friendly gunboat. But they all j)assed on without receiving any severe 
injuries, and at five o'clock in the morning lay anchored far below the city, 
ready to begin the attack upon the Confederate batteries at Grand Gulf, 
which were called "the key to Vicksburg." 







CHAPTER XVI. 



VICKSBURO SURRENDERS, AND TUF. MISSISSIPPI IS OPENED — NAVAI, EVENTS ALONG 

THE GULF COAST. 




HE first grand step towartl the capture of Vicksburg was made 
when the river-flotilla followed Porter down the Mississippi, and 
past the guns of the Confederate batteries. Grant, with his 
ann\', had followed along the western bank of the great river ; and 
we now find him ready to cross the river, and move upon the Vicksburg 
batteries from the smith. But, before this could be done, the Confederate 
works at Grand Gulf must be silenced ; antl it again happened that the 
navy was to be the chief factor in the contest. P'or this new battle all 
the blue-jackets were read}' aiul an.xious. Admiral Porter says that "when 
daylight broke, after the passage of the fleet, I was besieged by the com- 
manding officers of the gunboats, who came to tell me of their mishaps ; 
but, when I intimated that I intended to leave at Carthage any vessel that 
could not stand the hammering they would be subject to at Grand Gulf, 
they suddenly discovered that no damage had been done to their vessels, 
which, if any thing, were better ])repared for action than when they started 
out I" 

The Confederate works at Grand Gulf mounted eighteen guns ; and, as 
they stood upon high bluffs overlooking the river, they were most formid- 



j8o BLUE-JACKliTS OF '61. 



able. It was decided by the Federals that the nax'v alone should undertake 
the task of reducing the fortifications, — a decision that was of benefit 
to the Confederates, for their strongest position was along the river-front. 
Four of the guns held a raking position up and down the long stretch of 
-muddy water that swirled and eddied by with a current of seven miles an 
hour. 

While the fort had the advantage of position, the gunboats were much 
stronger in their armament ; and the contest was looked forward to as one 
bound to be desperate. The position of every gun in the batteries, and 
the size of the garrison, were well known to every commander of a Union 
vessel ; and they made the most careful preparations for the assault. 

The Confederates knew that the result of that day's battle would decide 
the ownership of Vicksburg, and they were prepared to offer the most des- 
perate resistance. The orders at every battery were to use shell alone ; and 
the men were instructed to fire carefully, and only after taking deadly aim. 
In a high tree just outside the fort a lookout was stationed ; and at early 
daylight, on the morning of the 29th of April, 1S63, he signalled that the 
fleet of gunboats was bearing down upon the works. 

Men who were in the fort that morning saw a strange panorama. The 
stillness was most profound on the shore and on the river. The boats 
moved slowly and grandly down, not a man in sight, and with no sign of 
life. The trees ujj the river were black with Federal spectators ; and the 
chirp of birds was all about the men who stood waiting beside the huge 
cannon. 

Porter went at his work with a \'im which made the forest tremble and 
the river bubble. For the first few minutes the Confederates were appalled 
by the fierceness of the fire, which stands on record as the fastest in the 
war ; but, when the forts did get down to their work, they went in with a 
roar that almost deafened the Federal soldiers three miles away. Great 
shells burst over the gunboats, or, falling into the water close by their sides, 
threw up columns of water that deluged the decks. The vessels found the 
greatest difficulty in getting good positions for the swift-eddying current. 
One moment they were bow on, the ne.xt headed down stream, or up, or 



BLUE-IACKKIS OF '6i. 28 1 



whirling around in circles. Of course this greatly hurt the aim of tlie 
gunners, but it Hkewise made the vessels poor targets for the Confederates. 

Three gunboats — the "Benton," "Tuscumbia," and "Lafayette" — 
engaged the upper battery ; and nowhere in naval history is found the 
record of faster firing than was done by these ships. Their huge shells tore 
away at the walls of earth, throwing up tons of dirt with each explosion, 
but not seeming to affect the strength of the f(.)rt at all. Not a shot 
entered an embrasure, though many came near it. One of the Confederate 
artillerists said after the fight, — 

"There was not one single minute in all that five hours in which I did 
not e.xpcct death. We all worked away as if in a nightmare, and we all 
felt that an}- moment might be our last. The 'Benton' fired repeatedly 
at ni)- gun ; and as many as twenty of her shells struck the opening, tearing 
holes in the jiarapet ten feet back. Twenty times we were almost buried 
out of sight under the clouds of dirt, and the loose earth was knee deep 
around our gun when the fight closed. Not one of us was hit hard enough 
to draw blood, and yet we all felt ten years older for that five hours' work. 
I sighted the gun, and saw fourteen of my shot hit the ' Benton,' and si.x 
plunge into another." 

The gunboats fought in a way that showed desperate determination. 
The first gun from the " Lafayette " was answered by a shell which crashed 
through her side and exploded in a wardroom, knocking every thing into 
chips. Three times the carpenter came up and reported to the captain that 
the ship was sinking; and each time the reply was, "Very well, sir: keep 
right on firing until the guns are under water." When the ship came out 
of the fight, she counted up fifty scars. 

The long-range firing that was carried on at first did not satisfy the 
" Mound City." One particular gunner on the Confederate works seemed 
to cherish a spite against her ; and every time the flame leaped from the 
muzzle of his gun, a solid shot banged against the gunboat's side. This 
was not to be tamely borne ; and the " Mound City" rushed up so close to 
the bank that her bow stirred up the mud, and from that position opened 
fast and furiously upon the forts with grape and canister. A hail of rifle- 



•BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



bullets fell upon her decks; but she stuck to her post, and succeeded in 
driving the enemy to the bomb-proofs. 

JUit, with all their pluck and rapid firing, the gunners of the fleet were 
making no impression on the works. Gen. Grant, who was watching the 
engagement from a tug in mid-stream, saw this, and determined to rush his 
soldiers past the fort in transports, while the navy engaged the enemy's 
guns. This was done quickly, and towards night the ships returned to 
their post up the river, leaving the Confederates in possession of the 
batteries. But the great point had been gained ; and Grant's army 
was moving on Vicksburg, with nothing to interfere with its besieging 
operations. 

Then began that series of attacks and repulses, of building trenches, 
paralleling, and advancing steadily, until the lines of the Federals and the 
Confederates were so close Together that the men used to shout jokes 
and taunts over the breastworks. All the Confederates were known as 
" Johnnies," and all Union soldiers as "Yanks." Often " Johnny " would 
call out, "Well, Yank, when are you coming into town.'" Sometimes 
the answer was, "We propose to celebrate the Fourth of July there." The 
"Johnnies" did not believe this; but it was true, nevertheless, for on July 
4 Grant's victorious army marched into Vicksburg. A day or two later 
the Confederate works at Port Hudson and Grand Gulf were surrendered 
to the Federals, and the Mississippi was again open for commerce through- 
out its length. 

When the fall of Vicksburg had thus left the river clear. Admiral Porter 
was ordered to take his fleet up the Red River, and clear away any Confed- 
erate works that he might find on the banks of that stream. Gen. A. J. 
Smith, with a strong body of troops, accompanied him ; while Gen. Banks 
was to march his troops overland from Texas, and join the expedition at 
.Shreveport. For several days the gunboats jiressed forward up the crooked 
stream, meeting with no opposition, save from the sharp-shooters who lined 
the banks on either side, and kept up a constant fire of small-arms. 

Shreveport was reached in safety ; and, after a short halt, the^ flotilla 
started again on their voyage up the river. They had proceeded but a 




MANNING IHE YARDS. 



]',l.Ul':-JACKKrS OF "61. 285 



s 



hort distance when a courier came galloping down the river's bajik, 
waving a despatch, which he handed to Admiral Porter. 

"The despatch read, 'Gen. ISanks badly defeated; return.' Mere was a 
dilemma to be placed in, — a victorions army between us and our own forces ; 
a long, winding, shallow river wherein the vessels were continually ground- 
ing ; a long string of empty transports, with many doubtful captains, who 
were constantly making exxuses to lie by or to land (in other words, who 
were trying to put their vessels into the power of the Contederates) ; and a 
thousand points on the river wiiere wc could be attacked with great advan- 
tage bv the enemy ; and the banks lined with sharp-shooters, by whom every 
incautious soklier who showed himself was shot." 

But, though the atlmiral clearly saw all the dangers he was exposed to, 
and which he recounts ui the foregoing paragraph, he did not propose to 
return, but pressed forward. He soon reached the scene of battle, and 
with the big guns of his boats covered the retreat of the troops; then, 
having done all there was to be done, started down the river. 

But now came the great trouble of the whole expedition. Those South- 
ern rivers are accustomed in summer to fall rapidly until tliey become 
mere dry ditches, with a narrow rivulet, hardly deep enough to float a row- 
boat, flowing down the centre. This was the summer season, and the Red 
River was falling fast. The banks swarmed with gray-eoateil soldiery, 
anxious to be on hand to cajjture the ships. At Grand Ecore the " East- 
port " became unmanageable, and was blown up. The fleet continued on 
its way quieth', until a serious obstacle was met. Admiral Porter writes : — 

" One of the ' Cricket's ' guns was mounted on the u]iper deck forward, 
to command the banks ; and a crew of six men were kept stationed at it, 
ready to fire at any thing hostile. 

" We went along at a moderate pace, to keep within supporting distance 
of each other. I was sitting on the uinier deck, reading, with one eye on 
tlie book and the other on the bushes, when 1 saw men's heads, and sang out 
to the commanding officer, Gorringe, 'Give those fellows in the bushes a 
two-second shell.' A moment after the shell burst in the midst of the 
people on the bank. 



286 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



" ' Give them another dose,' I said, when, to my astonishment, there came 
on board a shower of projectiles that fairly made the little 'Cricket' stag- 
ger. Nineteen shells burst on board our vessel at the first volley. It was 
the gun-battery of which our prisoner had told us. We were going along 
at this time about six knots an hour; and, before we could fire another gun, 
we were right under the battery and turning the point, presenting the 
' Cricket's ' stern to the enemy. They gave us nine shells when we were 
not more than twenty yards distant from the bank, all of which burst inside 
of us; and, as the vessel's stern was jjresented, they poured in ten more 
shots, which raked us fore and aft. 

'• Then came the roar of three thousand muskets, which seemed to strike 
every spot in the vessel. Fortvmateh' her sides were musket-proof. 

"The 'Cricket' stopped. I had been expecting it. How, thought I, 
could all these shells go through a vessel without disabling the machinery .'' 
The Rebels gave three cheers, and let us drift on : they were determined to 
have the whole of us. They opened their guns on the two pump-boats, and 
sunk them at the first discharge. The poor negroes that could swim tried to 
reach the shore ; but the musketeers picked off tliose that were in the water 
or clinging to the wrecks. It was a dreadful spectacle to witness, with no 
power to prevent it ; but it turned out to be the salvation of the 'Cricket.' 
All this took place in less than five minutes. 

" The moment the ' Cricket ' received the first discharge of artillery, I went 
on deck to the pilot-house, saluted by a volley of musketry as I passed along; 
and, as I opened the pilot-house door, I saw that the pilot, Mr. Drening, had 
his head cut open by a piece of shell, and the blood was streaming down his 
cheeks. He still held on to the wheel. ' I am all right, sir,' he said : ' I 
won't give up the wheel.' 

" Gorringe was perfectly cool, and was ringing the engine-room bell to 
go ahead. In front of the wheel-house, the bodies of the men who manned 
the howitzer were piled up. A shell had struck the gun, and, exploding, had 
killed all the crew, — a glorious death for them." 

Porter now found himself in a bail fix. His guns could not be elevated 
enough to bear on the batteries that stood on the crest of the high blufts. 



BLUE-JACKl':rS .OF '6i. 28; 

. - 

There was iidthing to do but to run by at the best possiljle rate of speed. 
Suddenly the engine stopped, and the vessel floated heljilessly down the 
stream. Porter rushed below to discover the trouble. In the engine-rnom 
stood the engineer leaning heavily against the throttle. Porter shouted at 
him, but received no reply ; then, putting his hand on the man's .shoulder, 
i'ound him dead. The admiral threw the body aside, pulled open the throt- 
tle, and the " Cricket " glided along past the batteries to a safe refuge down- 
stream. The other ships came down safely, although more or less cut up ; 
and the flotilla continued its retreat down the .stream. I'or a day or two all 
went smoothly as a holiday excursion ; then came a sudden i-e\-erse, that, for 
for a time, seemed to make certain the loss of the entire fleet. At Alexan- 
dria the Red-river bottom is full of great rocks that make it impassable 
e.Kcept at the highest wat«r. When Porter's gunboats arrived, they foinul 
themselves caught in a trap from which there seemed to be no hope of 
escape. The army was encamped along the banks of the river, and the 
soldiers began again their jokes upon Porter's habit of taking gunboats 
for an overland journey. The army generals began to get impatient, and 
advised Porter to blow up his ships, as the troops must soon march on 
and leave him. Porter was sick in bed, but this suggestion aroused him. 
" Burn my gunboats ! " he crietl, springing to his feet. " Ne\'er ! PU wait 
here for high water if I have to wait two years." And, indeed, it began to 
look as though he would be forcetl to wait nearly that long. 

In this time of suspense, there arose a man equal to the emergency. A 
certain Lieut. -Col. Bailey, who had been a Wisconsin lumberman, came to 
Porter, and suggested that a dam should be built to raise the water fourteen 
feet above the falls. Porter jumped at the suggestion, and eight thousand 
men were set to work. 

" It will take too much time to enter into the details of this trul)- wonder- 
ful work," writes Admiral Porter. "Suffice it to say that the dam had nearly 
reached completion in eight days' working-time, and the water had risen 
sufficiently on the upper falls to allow the ' h\)rt ilindman,' 'Osage,' and 
' Neosho ' to get down and be ready to pass the dam. In another day it 
would have been high enough to enable all the other vessels to pass the 



288 



BI.UK-JACKETS OF '61. 



upper falls. Unfortunately, on the morniii-- of the 9th instant the pressure 
of water became so great that it swept away two of the stone barg'es which 
swung in below the dam on one side. Seeing this unfortunate accident, I 
jumped on a horse, and rode up to where the upper vessels were anchored, 
and ordered the ' Lexington ' to pass the upper falls if possible, and immcdi- 





BAILEY'S D.\M ON THE RED RIVER. 



ately attempt to go through the dam. I thought I might be able to save the 
four vessels below, not knowing whether the persons employed on the work 
would ever have the heart to renew their enterprise. 

"The 'Lexington' succeeded in getting over the upper falls just in time, 
the water rapidly falling as she was passing over. She then steered directly 



lSLL'E-[ACKF;rS OF '6i. 289 



for the opening in the dam, through which the water was rushing so furiously 
that it seemed as if nothing but destruction awaited her. Thousands of 
Ideating hearts looked on, anxious for the result. The silence was so great 
as the ' Lexington ' approached the dam, that a pin might almost be heard 
to fall. She entered the gaj) with a full head of steam on, pitched down the 
roaring torrent, made two or three spasmodic rolls, hung for a moment on 
the rocks below, was then swept into deep water by the current, and 
rounded to safely into the bank. Thirty thousand voices rose in one 
deafening cheer, and universal joy seemed to pervade the face of every 
man present." 

After the dam was repaired, the rest of the fleet passed down safely. 

With the escape of the Red-river flotilla, the career of Admiral Porter 
on the rivers ended. Indeed, there was but little work for the river navy 
remaining. The Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers were 
opened; and the Confederate works on the smaller streams were unimpor- 
tant, and could be left to fall with the fall of the Confederacy, which was 
near at hand. There was work for fighting sea-captains along the Atlantic 
coast, and thither Admiral Porter was ordered. He will re-appear at the 
bombardment of Fort Fisher. 

An event which caused the greatest excitement in naval circles at this 
time, and which for courage and dash has probably never been equalled in 
the histor)" of the world, was the run of the Confederate privateer " Florida " 
past the United States fleet blockading the harbor of Mobile. The 
"Florida" was originall)- a merchant-ship, known as the " Oreto ; " antl 
under that name she sailed from Liverpool, carrying a peaceful cargo, 
and manned by sailors who had no idea that any thing beyond a peaceable 
voyage was planned. She was commanded by an English sea-captain ; and, 
although the United States consul at Liverpool looked on her with some 
suspicion, yet he could find no pretext u]5on which to oppose her departure. 

Hardly had the ship passed the mouth of the Mersey, when her course 
was shaped for Nassau, the haven of privateers and blockade-runners. At 
Nassau several officers of the Confederate navy were living ; and from the 
anxiety with which they scanned the horizon day after day, through their 



290 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



telescopes, it would seem that they were watching for some friendly craft. 
The " Oreto " arrived safely at Nassau ; and a young gentleman who had 
come with her made all possible haste ashore, and delivered to the watchful 
gentlemen in the town certain letters, which made them first look with the 
greatest satisfaction at the newly arrived ship, and then begin again their 
outlook for vessels. The letters were from Capt. Bulloch, the agent in 
London of the Confederacy ; and by them he notified his brother naval 
officers that he delivered to them the " Oreto," an admirably built ship, 
suited for an armed cruiser. " It has been impossible to get the regular 
battery intended for her on board," wrote Capt. Bulloch ; " but I have 
sent out four seven-inch rifled guns, with all necessary equipments, in the 
steamship ' Bahama,' bound for Nassau." 

So here were the naval officers and their ship, but the guns were yet to 
come ; and, when they did come, some shrewd planning would be necessary 
to get the guns mounted without alarming the British authorities. By the 
time the " Bahama " arrived, the plans were all made. As the steamer came 
up to the dock, a small schooner slipped alongside, and eight or ten heav}- 
cases were transferred from the larger vessel's hold to the deck of the 
coaster. Then the little vessel sailed over to Green Cay, a desert island 
about si.xty miles from Nassau, where she was soon joined by the " Oreto." 
There the work of changing the peaceful merchantman " Oreto " into the 
war-cruiser " Florida " began. 

The work of transferring the armament, and mounting the guns, was 
very laborious. The hot sun of August at the equator poured down upon 
them. E.vposure and general discomforts told heavily upon them ; and 
before long the yellow-fever, that most terrible scourge of the West Indies, 
broke out among the men. There was no surgeon on board, and the care 
of the sick fell u])on Cajit. Maffitt. Two United States men-of-war were 
hunting through the West Indies for the vessel they knew was fitting out 
somewhere amid the coral reefs and sandy, desolate keys. But Maffitt 
kept up his courage, and before long found himself at sea, with a good 
stanch ship and crew, that, though short-handed, was made up of the very 
best material. J5ul he had hardly cut loose from civilization, and started 



BLUE-JACKEl'S OF '6i. 291 

out upon his cruise, when he discovered, that, in the worry and haste of his 
departure, he had put to sea without rammers or sponges for his guns. He 
was in a desperate phght. Had the smallest United States man-of-war 
met the " Floriila," the Confederate could not have offered the slightest 
resistance. She couUl not have even fired a gun. Capt. Maffitt ran his 
vessel into Havana in the hopes of being allowed to refit there; but the 
fortunes of the Confederacy were waning fast, and all nations feared to 
gi\'e it aid or comfort. Seeing no hope, IMaffitt determined to dare all 
things, and make a dash for Mobile through the very centre of the block- 
ading-flcet. 

When the "Florida" put out from the harbor of Havana, only four 
or five men were able to be on deck. The rest, with her commander, were 
below, deathly sick with yellow-fever. Under the command of a young- 
lieutenant, her course was laid for Mobile ; and in a few hours the smoke of 
the blockading-vcssels could be seen rising on the clear air. An English 
ensign was hoisted, and the fleet ship dashed towards the huge frigates 
that lay in wait. A blank cartridge was fired to warn her away, but she 
paid no heed. Then came a solid shot that ploughed up the water before 
her bow. As this evoked no response, the whole fleet opened fire with shot 
and shell. " Had they depressed their guns but a little," said Maffitt 
afterwartls, " the career of the ' Florida ' would have ended then and 
there." l^ut, as it was, she sped on, with no signs of damage sa\'e the 
flying ends of cut cordage. She could not respond to the fire, for but 
three men remained on her deck, So, silently and grimly, she rushed 
through the fleet, and finally passed the last frigate. Quarter of an hour 
later she anchored under the guns of Fort Morgan. .She had received 
eight shots in her hull, and her masts were chipped by dozens of fragments 
of shell. After refitting, the " Florida " waited nearly a month for a chance 
to get out again. F'inally the moment arrived ; antl she made her escape, 
though chased for four hours by the blockaders. Once on the open sea, 
she began the regular career of Confederate cruisers, burned unarmed ships, 
and avoided war-vessels, until she was run down in a neutral port by a 
Union man-of-war, whose commander acted in utter defiance of all the 



292 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



rules of modern warfare. In the career of the " Florida," after her escape 
from Mobile, there was nothing of moment ; ami her capture, treacherous 
as it was, brought more discredit I'.pon the Northern arms than did her 
depredations work injury to the Northern merchant-marine. 





^^J^ CHAPTER XVII. 



OPKRATIilNS ABOUT CHARLESTON". — THE BOMBARDMENT, THE SIEGE, AND THE CAPTURE. 




E have now reached the period at which the rapid decline in the 
prospects of the Confederacy had become apparent, not only to 
its enemies, but to its friends. Throughout the South the stars 
and bars floated over only three strongholds of any importance, — 
Charleston, Mobile, and Wilmington. One after the other these were 
destined to fall, and their final overthrow was to be the work of the navy. 
It was no easy task in any one of the three instances to dislodge the 
Confederates from their jiositions ; for though beaten in the Middle States, 
driven from the Mississippi, and with their very citadel at Vicksburg in the 
hands of the Federals, they still fought with a courage and desperation 
that for a long time baffled the attacks of the Unionists. 

I'^rom the very opening of the war, Charleston Harbor had been the 
scene of naval hostilities. The Confederates, looking upon their nKjulder- 
ing wharves, and vessels tugging idly at their chains, then looking out 
to sea past Fort Sumter, could see the ships of the blockading-squadron 
maintaining the watchful guard that was slowly reducing the city to 
penury. What wonder that the blood of the good people of Charleston 
boiled, and that they built, and hurled against their hated enemy, weird 



294 , . BLUE-JACKK'l'S OF '61. 



naval monsters, shaiielcss torpedo-boats running beneath the water, or 
huge rams that miglit even batter in the heavy walls of I'ort Sumter! 

One attack so made was successful to a certain extent. It was in 
l'\'bruarv, 1864, that an inventive genius in the beleaguered city brought 
out a steam torpedo-boat. The craft was about twenty-five feet long, shaped 
like a cigar, built of boiler iron, and propelled by a screw. She had, no 
smoke-stack, and her deck barely rose above the surface of the water. 
Running out from her bow was a stout s\ydv fifteen feet long, liearing at its 
end a huge torpedo charged with two hundred pounds of powder. Just 
before nine o'clock one night, the lookout on the deck of the frigate 
" Housatonic " saw this strange object approaching the ship. It was a 
bright night, with no sea on. As yet torpedoes were hardly known, so 
the lookout took it for a large fish, and simply watched with interest its 
playfub hiovemcnts. Not until it came so close that no guns could be 
brought to bear, did any suspicion of danger enter the lookout's mind. 
Then there was the roll of the alarm-drums ; while the men rushed to the 
side, and jionred a fierce fire from small-arms on the mysterious object. 
The " Housatonic" started her engines, and tried to escape ; but, before any 
hSadway could be gained, the launch dashed alongside, and a slight jar was 
felt. Theri, with' a tremendous roa;r, a huge column of water was throAvn. 
high in air, 'Washing away men and boats from the deck of the war-ship. "A 
hole large en*ovigh to drive a horse through was rent in the hull of the ship. 
Great beams weVe'broken in twain, the hea\'iest guns were dism^imted, and 
men 'were hurled' fifty feet into the air. In five minutes the ship had golie 
to the bottom, and boats from other vessels were picking up the crew. The 
launch escaped in the c.xcitenlent. '•-':*■■. 

The L'nion sailor-boys did not let the Confederates outdo them in dash' 
and pluck.' One of the cleverest bits of work iii the whole war was done' 
by four boat-crews from two men-of-war on the Charleston station. Word 
had been brought to the bldckaders, 'that, far up a little deep and narrow 
creek, 'a large steamship was loading w4th cotton, expecting to reach the" 
ocean through the labyrinth of inlets that fairly hone^'cdmb the South 
Carolina coaiSt.' ' Should she ■once; get into that network Of water-ways, it 




CUl'llNi; on A r.I.IHKAUK-KUNNKR. 



BUTE-JACKETS OF '6i. 297 



would require a whole fleet to eateh her; for there was no telliiii,^ at what 
point she might emerge. o 

It was at once determined to try to capture her as she lay at her deck, 
and four boats' crews of picked men were sent out on the expedition. It 
was earlv evening when they set out ; and all through the dark night they 
pulled a\va\', threading the mazes of the tidal inlets. Just as the eastern 
horizon was beginning to grow gray with the coming dawn, they came in 
sight of their destination. Sure enough, there on the bank of the river 
was a little Southern village, changed into a prosperous town Ijy the block- 
ade-runners that had evidently been making this place a harbor for some 
time. 

All was dark and silent as the grave. Confident in their fancied security, 
the blockade-runners had all turned in, leaving no one on guard. The 
steamer was loaded, and ready to sail in the morning; and the thin wreaths 
of smoke rising from her smoke-stack told that the fires were up. Stealthil)' 
the sailors [udled alongside, and clambered on deck. Without a word the\- 
stole below, put the crew under guards, and rushed into the engine-room, 
where they found the engineer dozing on his stool. He was ordered to get 
under way at once ; and, though he looked rather dazed, he obeyed the order. 
And in fifteen minutes the steamer was speeding down-stream, leaving the 
old town still asleep. 

One man alone of all the townspeople had seen the capture. A negro, 
hiding behind a pile of lumber on the dock, had watched the whole affair, 
and, as if struck dumb with astonishment, failed to give the alarm until the 
steamer was out of sight down the winding stream. The blue-jackets tcjok 
their capture safely out of the enemy's lines, and the next day it was sent 
to New Wirk as a prize. 

While the navy was keeping the port of Charleston sealed, and every 
now and then beating back the improvised gunboats that the Confederates 
sent out in the forlorn hope of breaking through the blockade, the armies 
of the North were closing in ujion the doomed city. All the North cried 
aloud for the capture of Charleston. It was the city which fireil the first 
gun of the war. Let it be reduced ! On every available point of land a 



298 BLUE-JACKETS OF '61. 



Union battery was built. Far out in the swamps back of the city, where 
it was thought no living thing save reptiles could exist, the soldiers of the 
North had raised a battery, mounting one two-hundred-pound gun. When 
a young lieutenant was ordered to build this battery, he looked the ground 
over, and reported the thing impossible. "There is no such word as impos- 
sible," sternly answered the colonel. " Set to work, and call for whatever 
you need to secure success." 

The next day the lieutenant, who was a bit of a wag, made a requisition 
on the quartermaster for one hundred men eighteen feet high, to wade 
through mud sixteen feet deep. Pleasantry is not appreciated in war ; and 
the officer was arrested, but soon secured his release, and built the battery 
with men of ordinary height. 

In April, 1S62, Admiral Du Pont had lined his iron-clads and monitors 
up before the beetling wails of Fort Sumter, and had hurled solid shot 
for hours, with only the effect of breaking away sharp corners and projecting 
edges of the fort, but leav'ing it still as powerful a work of defence as ever. 
The little monitors exposed to the terrible fire from the guns of .Sumter 
were fairly riddled ; and, when the signal was finally made to withdraw from 
the action, the humblest sailor knew that Charleston would only fall after 
a siege as protracted and wearisome as that of Vicksburg. 

The investment of Charleston lasted from the date of that lirst attack 
upon Fort Sumter until 1S65. From time to time the war-vessels would 
throw a few shells into the city, as a reminder to the inhabitants that they 
were under surveillance. Early in the siege the Swamp Angel, as the big 
gun back in the swamp was called, began sending hourly messages, in the 
form of two-hundred-pound shells, into the city. In one quarter, where 
the shells fell thickest, a severe fire was started, which raged fiercely, driving 
people from their homes, and reducing whole blocks to ashes ; while the- 
ilcadly shells aided in the work of destruction. But the life of the Swamp 
Angel, whose shells were the most destructive, was but short ; for, after a 
few days' work, it burst, scattering the sand-bags, of which the battery was 
built, far and wide over the swamp. 

The officers of the army, who were bringing their troops nearer and 




IIAI^LKSTON" nOMllARI-H h 



BLUE-JAt'KKlS OF '6i. 



^OI 



nearer to the city, expected tlie iron-clad vessels to steam boldly up the 
harbor, and compel a surrender of the city ; but the naval officers dared not, 




WAk-SHU'b UH' LlIARLl^roN HARCOR. 



owinij to the torpedoes with whicli the cliannel was thick!)' planted. If 
Sumter could only be captured, the torpedoes could be searched out and 
easily lemoved; and, with this tliouL^ht in mind, a number of bokl sailors 



302 BLUE-JACKKIS OK '6i. 



fitted out an c'.\]>ctlition to attack the fort. Tliiit\- boats, filled with armed 
men, matle their way to the base of the shattered walls of the fort. A.s the_\- 
came up, not a si,u,n of life was to be seen about the hut^'e Ijlack monster that 
had so loni^ kept the iron-clads at bay- Rajiidiy and silently the men 
swarmed from their boats, and, led by three brave officers, began the ascent 
of the sloping walls. "The Johnnies are asleep," they whispjered to each 
other : "we have the fort this time." Hut the Jolmnies were wide awake, and 
waiting behind those grim bastions until the pro|ier moment should arrive. 
Higher and higher climbed the blue-jackets ; and they were just about to 
spring over the last barrier, when there rose bei(jre them a wall of men and 
a deadly fire of musketry, and a storm of hand-grenades cut their ranks to 
pieces. Arouml the corner of the fort steamed a small gunboat, which 
opened fire on the assailants. The carnage was terrible ; and the sailors 
were driven back to their boats, leaving two hundred dead and wounded, and 
three stands of colors, as trophies for the garrison. 

After that grapple with the giant fortress, the Federals did not again try 
to come to close quarters ; but, keeping at a distance, maintained a steady 
fire upon the fort, which drove its defenders from the guns, and enabled the 
Union troops to throw up batteries upon all the neighboring islands. The 
fleet then remained on blockading-service until Feb. iS, 1S65, when the Con- 
federates evacuated the city, and left the fort to the victorious Federals. 
Five years after the elate when Major Anderson with his little band of 
soldiers had marched out of Sumter. lea\'iiig the foit to the enemy, the same 
gallant officer returned, and with his own hand hoisted the same tattered 
flag over the almost ruined fortress, amid salvos of artillery and the cheers 
of a victorious armv and nav\'. 




^SF 



chait1':r XVIII. 



Tin; DATTLE (W MOBILE BAY. 




HE last two actions of the United States navy in the civil war 

were destined to be the grantlest successes of a long record of 

daring' and successful exploits. Farragut at Mobile, and Porter 

at Fort Fisher, added to their wondrous careers the cap-sheaves 

of two x'ictories wrested from apparently unconquerable adversaries. 

It was on a bright August morning in 1S64 that Admiral Fari'agiit 
stood on the deck of his stanch frigate the " Hartfortl," that had borne 
him through so many ilesperate battles. Around the flag-shi|i were clus- 
tered the vessels of the Gulf scjuadron. There was the battered did 
" Brooklyn," scarred with the wounds of a dozen fight.s ; the " Rich- 
mond " and the " Metacomet," that received their bajjtism of fire at the 
fight below New Orleans. In all there were fourteen wooden \essels and 
four iron-clad monitors assembled in front of the strongest combination of 
harbor defences that war-ships ever yet dared attack. Yet Farragut was 
there that bright summer morning to enter that bay, and batter the forts 
iif the enemy into subjection. To capture the city was not his purpose, — 
that he left to the arm}', — but the h irlior lorts and the great ram "Ten- 
nessee " must strike their colors to the navy. 

Before arranging for the attack, the admiral made a reconnoissance, the 

3°:< 



504 BLUE-JACKKTS OF '61. 



results of which arc thus told by one of his officers: "On the afternoon 
of the day of our arrival, Admiral Farragut, with the commanding ofificers of 
the different vessels, made a reconnoissance on the steam-tender ' Cow- 
slip,' running inside of Sand Island, where the monitors were anchored, 
and near enough to get a good view of both iorts. On the left, some two 
miles distant, was Fort Gaines, a small brick-and-earth work, mounting a 
few heavy guns, but too far awav from the ship-channel to cause much 
uneasiness to the fleet. Fort Morgan was on the right, one of the strong- 
est of the old stone forts, and greatly strengthened by immense piles of 
sand-bags covering e\'ery portion of the exposed front. The fort was 
well equipped with three tiers of heavy guns, some of them of the best 
English make, imported by the Confederates. In addition, there was in 
front a battery of eleven powerful guns, at the water's edge on the beach. 
All the guns, of both fort and water battery, were within point-blank 
range of the only channel through which the fleet could pass. The Rebels 
considered the works impregnable, but they did not depend solely upon 
them. Just around the point of land, behind Fort Morgan, we could see 
that afternoon three saucy-looking gunboats and the famous ram 'Ten- 
nessee.' The latter was then considered the strongest and most powerful 
iron-clad ever put afloat ; looking like a great turtle, with sloping sides cov- 
ered with iron plates si.s: inches in thickness, thoroughly riveted together, and 
having a formidable iron beak projecting under the water. Her armament 
consisted of si.x heavy guns of English make, sending a solid shot weigh- 
ing one hundred and ten pounds, — a small affair compared with the heavy 
guns of the present time, but irresistible then against every thing but the 
turrets of the monitors. In addition to these means of resistance, the 
narrow channel in front of the fort had been lined with torpedoes. These 
were under the water, anchored to the bottom, and were chiefly in the shape 
of beer-kegs filled with ])Owder, from the sides of which projected numerous 
little tubes containing fulminate, which it was expected would be exploded 
by contact with the passing vessels. 

" Except for what Farragut had already accomplished on the Mississippi, 
it would have been considered a foolhardy experiment for wooden vessels to 



i;lui:-jac'ki;i's of y,:. 305 



attempt to pass so close to one of the strongest forts on the coast ; but 
when to the forts were added the knowledge of the strength of the ram, and 
the supposed deadly character of the torpedoes, it may be imagined that the 
coming event impressed the person taking his first glimpse of naval warfare 
as decidedlv hazardous and unpleasant. So daring an attempt was never 
made in an\- country but this, and was never successfully made by any com- 
mander except Farragut, who in this, as in his previous exploits in passing 
the forts of the Mississii)i)i, proved himself the greatest naval commander 
the world has ever seen. It was the confidence reposed in him, the recol 
lection that he had never failed in any of his attempts, and his manifest 
faith in the success of the projected movement, that inspired all around 
him." 

When the reconnoissance was cora[)leted, the admiral called a council of 
his captains in the ward-room of the " Hartford," and announced that the 
attack would be made early the following morning. The council over, each 
commander returned to his shi[3, there to make ready for the dread business 
of the morrow. The same writer whom we have before quoted tells how 
the night before a battle is spent by brave men not afraid of death : — 

"At sunset the last order had been issued. Every commanding officer 
knew his dutv, and unusual quiet prewailed in the fleet. The waters of the 
Gulf rested for a time from their customai'v tumult, a gentle breeze rcliex'cd 
the midsummer heat, and the evening closed upon us as peacefully as if we 
had been on board a yachting squadron at Newport. Diu-ing the early pan 
of the night, the stillness was almost oppressive. The officers of the ' Hart- 
ford ' gathered around the capacious ward-room table, writing what they 
knew might be their last letters to loved ones far away, or giving to friends 
messages and instructions in case of death. There were no signs of fear ; 
but, like brave and intelligent men, they recognized the stern possibilities 
of the morrow, and acted accordingly. 

"But this occupied but little time; and then, business over, there fol- 
lowed an hour of unrestrained jollity. Many an old story was retold, and 
ancient conundrum re]ieated. Old officers forgot for the moment thcii' 
customary dignity, and it was evident that all were exhilarated and stimu- 



J 



06 BLUE-JACKKIS OF '61. 



lated by the knowledge of the coniin;; struggle. Capt. Heywood of the 
marines proposed a final 'walk-around;' Tyson solemnly requested in- 
formation as to ' Which would you rather do or go by Fort Morgan ? ' 
and all agreed they would prefer to 'do.' La Rue Adams repeated the 
benediction with which the French instructor at the naval academy was 
wont to greet his boys as they were going into examination : 'Veil, fellows, 
I hope ve vill do as veil as I hope ve vill do.' Finally, Chief Engineer 
Williamson suggested an adjournment to the forecastle for a last smoke, 
and the smoking cUib went forward; but .somehow smoke had lost its cus- 
tomary flavor, and, after a few whiffs, all hands turned in, to enjoy what 
sleep would come." 

When the morning dawned, the men were called to quarters, and the 
advance upon the forts was begun at once. It was a foggy morning, and 
the ships looked like phantom vessels as they moved forward in line o.f 
battle, with the "Brooklyn" in the van.* Second came the "Hartford," 
with the admiral high up in the rigging, where he cc'd overlook the whole 
scene. T , 

" Nearly every man had his watch in his hand, and waited for the first 
sliot. To us, ignorant of evcrv thing going on above, every minute seemed 
an houi'; and there was a feeling of great relief when the boom of the first 
gun was heard. This was from the monitor ' Tecumseh,' at forty-seven 
minutes past si.x o'clock. Presently one or two of our forward guns opened, 
and we could hear the distant sound of the guns of the fort in reply. Soon 
the cannon-balls began to crash through the deck above us, and then the 
thunder of our whole broadside of twelve Dahlgren guns kept the vessel in 
a quiver. But as yet no wounded were sent down, and we knew we were 
still at comparatively long i^ange. In the intense excitement of the occa- 
sion, it seemed that hours had passed ; but it was just twenty minutes from 
the time we went below when an officer shouted down the hatchway : 
'Send U[i an army signal-officer immediatel)- : the 'Brooklyn' is signalling.' 
In a moment the writer w-as on deck, where he found the situation as fol- 
lows : The 'Brooklyn,' directly in front of us, had stopped, and was backing 
and signalling ; the tide was with us, setting strongly through the channel. 



KLUK-JACRi:rS OF '6 1. 



% 



307 



and the stopping of the 'Brooklyn' threatened to bring- the whole fleet into 
collision and confusion ; the advance vessels of the line were trying to back 
to prevent a catastrophe, but were apparently not able to overcome the force 
of the current ; and there was danger not only of collision, but of being 
drifted on shore." 

While the fleet was thus embarrassed and hampered, the gunners in the 
forts were pouring in their shot" thick and fast. On the decks of the ships 
the most terrible scenes of death were visible. Along the port side the 
bodies of the dead were ranged in long rows, while the wounded were carried 
below, until the surgeon's room was filled to its last corner. One poor 
fellow on the "Hartford" lost both legs by a cannon-ball, and, falling, 
threw up both arms just in time to have them carried away also. Strange 
to say, he recovered from these fearful wounds. 

Just as the fight was at its hottest, and the vessels were nearing 
the line, the passage of which meant victory, there went up a cry from the 
whole fleet, "The 'Tecumseh!' Look at the ' Tecumseh ! ' " All eyes 
were turned on the nonitor, and every one saw that she was sinking. She 
staggered for a moment, and went down with a rush, carrying her brave 
commander and over a hundred of her crew. A few escaped, the last of 
whom was the pilot. As the pilot was rushing for the hatchway that led 
to the open air and to life, he met at the foot of a narrow ladder Commander 
Craven. Craven stepped back, saying gravely, "After you, pilot;" and 
the pilot passed out. " There was nothing after me," said he, in relating the 
story afterwards ; " for as I sprang out of the hatchway the water rushed in, 
carrying all behind me to the bottom." 

This terrible sight made the ships stop for a moment in some confusion ; 
but Farragut signalled sternly from his flagship, "Go on," and all advanced 
again. As the fight grew fiercer, the admiral grew tired of being on the 
second ship in the line, and ordered the " Hartford " to forge ahead. 

"On board a war steamer the engines are directed by the tap of a bell, 
the wires connected with which lead to the quarter-deck. One stroke of 
the bell means 'go ahead;' two, 'stop;' three, 'back;' and four, 'go ahead 
as fast as possible.' Leaning down through the shrouds to the officer on 



o 



08 bluf.-iackI':ts of '61. 



'deck at tlic bell-pull, the admiral shouted, 'Four bells, eight lh-//s, ^wteen 
BELLS ! Give her all the steam you've got ! ' The order was instantly trans- 
mitted, and the^)^ ship seemed imbued with the admiral's' spirit ; arid- 
running past the " Brooklyn " and the monitors, regardless of fort, ram,' 
gunboats, and the unseen foe beneath, dashed ahead, all alone, save for her 
gallant consort, the "Metacomet.' " 

But by this time the fleet was well abreast of the forts, and now, pouring 
out broadside after broadside, they swept along past -the" terrible ramparts. 
The Confederate gunboats had found the fight too hot for them, and had 
fled for shelter, with the exxeption of the dreaded " Tennessee'" -which 
seemed to be holding itself in reserve. It was but a short time before the 
vessels were safely past the fort, and out of range, floating on the.smbotl^' 
waters of the inner bay. Then the crews were piped to breakfast, and atf 
hands began to recount their narrow escapes. 

But the end was not yet, for the ram "Tennessee" was now ready to try 
her mettle with the fleet. Lieut. Kinney of the "Hartford" fells graph!- ^ 
cally the story of the desperate fight that the ram carried on alone. agaftvst' 
the whole attacking flotilla. 

" We were just beginning to feel the re-action following such a season 
of extreme peril and eixcitement, when we were brought to our senses by 
the sharp, penetrating voice of executive officer Kimberly calling all hands 
to quarters; and, a '-messenger-boy hurried down to us with the word, 'The 
ram is coming.' Every man hastened to his post, the writer to the quarter-_^_. 
deck, where the admiral -^nd fleet-captain were standing. The cause of. the 
new excitement was evident at once. The ' Tennessee,' as if ashamed-of 
her failure, had left the fort and was making at full speed directly for the ■ 
" Hartford,"- being then perhaps a mile and a half distant. The spectacle 
was a grand one, and was viewed by the Rebel soldiers in both forts, who 
were now out of range of our guns, and lined the walls. Few audiences 
have-ever witnessed so imposing a sight. The great ram came on for a 
single-handed contest with the fleet. She was believed to be invulnerable, 
and had powerful double ehgines-.by which she could be easily handled; 
while our monitors were so slow-gaited that they were unable to offer any 




I'lCHT AT Mor.ii.i, i;\Y. 



l!I,UK-JACKl';i'S OF '6i. 31 1 

serious obstacle to her approacli. Farragut himself seemed to ])lace his 
chief dependence on his wooden vessels. Doubtless the crowd of Con- 
federate soldiers who watched the fight expected to see the ' Tennessee ' 
sink the Yankee vessels in detail, and the chances seemed in its favor. . . 

"Meanwhile, the general signal, 'Attack the enemy,' had gone up to the 
jieak of the 'Hartford;' and there followed a general slipping of cables, 
and a friendly rivalry to see which could quickest meet the foe. The 
' Monongahela,' with her artificial iron prow, was bravely in the lead, and 
struck the Rebel craft amidships at full speed, doing no damage to the ram, 
hut having her own iron prow destroyed, and being otherwise injured. 
Next came the ' Lackawanna,' with a like result. Tiie huge iron frame of 
the ' Tennessee ' scarcely felt the shock, while the wooden bow of the 
Union ship was badly demoralized. I'or an instant the two vessels swung 
head and stern alongside of each other. In his official report, Capt. 
Marchand naively remarks : — 

"'A few of the enemy were seen through their i)orts, who were using 
most opprobrious language. Our marines opened on tliem with muskets : 
even a spittoon and a holystone were thrown at them from our deck, which 
drove them away.' 

"The 'Tennessee' fired two shots through her bow, and then kei-it on 
for the ' riartford.' The two flag-ships approached each other, bow to bow. 
The two admirals, Farragut and Buchanan, had entered our navy together 
as boys, and up to the outbreak of the war had been warm friends. I^ut 
now each was hojMng for the overthrow fif the other; and, had lUichanan 
possessed the grit of Farragut, it is probable that moment woukl have 
witnessed the destruction of both vessels. For had the ram struck us 
square, as it came, bows on, it would have ploughed its way half through the 
'Hartford;' and, as we sank, we should have carried it to the bottom, 
unable to extricate itself. But the Rebel admiral was not desirous of sf) 
much glory ; and, just as the two vessels were meeting, the course of the 
'Tennessee' was slightly changed, enough to strike us only a glancing 
blow on the port-bow, which left us uninjured, while the two vessels grated 
past each other. He tried to sink us with a broadside as he went by; but 



12 



BLUE-TACKETS OF '6i. 



only one of his guns went off, the primers in all the others failing. That 
gun sent a shell that entered the berth-deck of the ' Hartford,' and killed 
five men." 

But by this time the unequal conflict was becoming too much even for 
a man of Buchanan's courage. The armor of the ram was penetrated in 
several places, and at last came a shot that almost fatally wounded her 
commander. With the controlling mind that guided her course gone, the 
ram was useless ; and in a moment a white flag fluttered from the shattered 
stump of her flagstaff. And so closed the naval battle that effectually 
ended Confederate rule on the Gulf coast, and earned for Farragut his 
proudest laurels. 





mil!''',' 




CHAPTER XIX. 



THE FALL OF FORT FISHER. — THE NAVV ENDS ITS WORK. 




N noticing the work of the blockading-fleet, we have spoken of the 
fine harbor of Wihnington, and the powerful works that defended 
its entrance. This Confederate stronghold was known as Fort 
Fisher, and had been for a long time a cause of an.xiety and worry 
to the Northern authorities. The war had gone past Fort Fisher. To the 
north and to the south of it, the country was under the sway of the Federal 
authorities ; but there in North Carolina stood the formidable bastions over 
which floated, in defiance of the laws of the Union, the stars and bars of the 
rapidly dying Confederacy. With its connected batteries, Fort Fisher 
mounted seventy-five guns, and was stronger than the celebrated Malakoff 
at Sebastopol. 

To reduce this stronghold, a joint naval and military e.xpedition was 
fitted out ; and Gen. Butler was placed in command of the land forces, while 
Admiral Porter, torn from his beloved Western rivers, was given command 
of the fleet. Butler introduced a novel feature at the very opening of the 
siege. He procured an old steamer, and had her packed full of gunpowder. 
On a dark night this craft was towed close to the walls of the fort and set 
afire, in the hopes that she might, in blowing up, tear the works to pieces. 

j"3 



314 BLUi:-j.\c;Ki:rs of '6i. 



But in this the projectors were disappointed ; for the explosion, though a 
terrific one, did absolutely no harm to the Confederate works. When Porter 
finally did get into the fort, he asked a soldier what he thought of the 
attempt to blow them up. " It was a mighty mean trick," responded 
the Southerner satirically. " You woke us all up." 

After this fiasco had set all the world laughing, the two commanders 
began massing their forces for an attack in earnest ; and on Christmas Eve 
of the year 1864 the fleet began the bombardment, although Gen. Butler's 
troops were not yet prepared for the assault. It was the grandest armada 
that was ever arrayed against any fortress. The thunder of nearly five 
hundred guns rent the air on that Christmas Eve, when carols were being 
sung in Christian churches throughout the world. Tremendous as was the 
cannonade, the earthworks were almost a match for it. The fort was not a 
mass of masonry that these enormous guns might batter down and crumble 
into rubbish, but a huge bank of earth in which the shells might harmlessly 
bury themselves. But five hundred cannon are more than a match for any 
fort, and so they soon proved to be in this instance. Earthworks, guns, and 
men alike went down before them. The iron-clads were stationed about 
three-quarters of a mile from the fort, a little farther out were the frigates 
and heavy sloops, and still beyoijd were the smaller vessels, — all firing to 
cover themselves ; and all along the whole extended line there blazed one 
almost continuous sheet of flame, while the rolling thUnder_of the brqadsides, 
and the defiant answering roar from the guns of the forts, shook earth and 
sea. Clouils of dust went up from the bastions of the fort, and mingled 
with the floatingsmoke above. Within the forts, there was a scene of the 
most terrible confusion : guns were overturned, piles of cannon-balls were 

;knpcked'to pieces and scattered about,' and two magazines were blown up 

jETid scattered fragments all over the parade. In one hour and a quarter all 
• ,the'g,u;iners were driven to the bomb-proofs, and the forts were silenced, not 

•retuYning'a single shot. 

;,- ■ On Christmas morning Gen. Butler arrived with all his transports, 
and'the attack was recommenced. Early in the morning the ships fell into 
position and began a Slow fire, merely to cover the lauding of the troops. 




''4 





CIIAROK OK SAILORS Al' HlllilX I i l, \ I ) 



liLL'lL -JACKETS UK '6i. 317 



Again the garrison was driven in the l)c)mb-proois ; and, indeed, so entirely 
were they ehased from their posts, that a I^'ederal soldier went into the 
fort and brought off a Confederate flag without ever having been seen 
by the garrison. All the troops were landed ; but for some reason the 
attack was deferred, much to the disgust of the officers of the fleet, who 
felt sure that the fort could be taken then by a dash. But the troops 
returned to their transports or went into camp, and it was not until weeks 
after that the assault was fairly made. In the mean time, the ships rode 
out the winter gales at their anchors, doing a little desultory firing to 
keep the garrison in a state of unrest. 

On the 14th of January the heavy bombardment began again, and 
again the troops were landed. By night it was seen that every gun on 
the face of the fort was disabled, and it was decided to storm the works 
the next day. Si.xteen hundred sailors and four hundred marines' were 
told off as the stormiiig-party. 

Early in the morning the ships began a fierce cannonade, under cover 
of which the sailors and marines landed, and threw up light breastworks 
to cover them until the time should be ripe for the charge. The arrange- 
ments contemplated a fierce charge by the blue-jackets, armed with their 
cutlasses and revolvers ; while the marines, remaining in the rifle-pits, should 
cover the advancing party with a hot fire of musketry. The soldiers from 
the army-camp were to charge the fort on the other side. 

At three o'clock came the signal that all was ready. The whistles of 
the ships rent the air; and the blue-jackets, with ringing cheers, dashed in 
a compact body up the beach. But in an instant the Confederate ramparts 
were black with men, and a furious fire of musketry rained down upon 
the sailors, who were helpless. Tlie marines in the rifle-pits failed to do 
what was expected of them, and the sailors halted for a moment in surprise. 

As they stood, a most destructive fire rained down upon them ; and the 
poor fellows, grasping their useless cutlasses, turned and fled down the 
beach, leaving great heaps of dead and woimded behind. Then the Con- 
federates, thinking the day was theirs, sprang on the ramparts, and began 
a vigorous cheer just as the Union soldiers came pouring over the land- 



j8 



BLUE-JACKETS OF '6i. 



ward face of the fort. Then ensi.ed a fierce hand-to-hand fight that lasted 
for hours. The bk.e-jacket.s, encouraged, rushed back to the fic^ht and 
now at close quarters swung their cutlasses with deadly effect, until' step 
by step the Confederates were driven out of the fort. Then the fleet 
opened upon them, and they fled for dear life while a sailor sprang to the 
flagstaff and pulled down the Confederate flag. Fort Fisher had fillen 
It was a noble victory, and formed a fitting clima.x to the work of the navy 
throughout that great war. ^ 

With the fall of Fort Fisher, the navy ceased to be a prominent factor 
in the war. Its work was done. Along the seacoast, and inland as far 
as navigable rivers extended, the ships of the North had carried the starry 
banner; and the sailor-boys of the North had defended it. And their 
opponents, whether on sea or shore, had shown themselves courageous 
and dashing, and worthy to be numbered as men of the same nation as 
those who proved the victors. And who can doubt, that, .bould the need 
arise, the sons of these men will show that they have in their veins the 
blood that animated the Blue-Jackets of '6i .' 




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